Problems are for Solving

Note:  I wrote this on April 2nd, 2005 for another blog of the same name.  Here in my debut at blogpeoria I thought I’d repost it for those who might be reading this blog in the future.  It explains why the blog bears the name it does.

Why Problems Are For Solving?

Because problems are for solving.  I say that because I believe it to be true.  It is something a mentor once told me that has never shaken its way from my memory.

People have problems.  All people without exception.

Most people try to avoid problems, but still they come.  Why?  Because we live in a world of sin.  And our sin and the sins of others cause problems. 

What should we do with problems?

Some people try to pretend they don’t exist.  This is especially true with regard to relational problems.  People pretend that there’s nothing wrong between them when there are dreadful rifts.  This doesn’t work.  It only makes life worse in the long run.  The problems stack up on top of one another until the tower falls under the weight.

Some people run away from them.  They leave jobs, families, churches, even cities in order to alleviate the pressure that comes invariably from an unsolved problem.  This doesn’t work either.   At least part of the problem is you—and if you run away from a problem you take yourself with you—the problems return in the new place.

So what should you do?

Solve the problem.

Most people don’t try this because it is hard.  It makes life better in the long run but in the short term it is terribly difficult.  Also too often people have tried the wrong solution and then written the problem off as unsolvable.

God brings problems into the lives of people as a gift.  And for every problem He sends He provides a solution.  The solution is rarely easy but almost always simple.  And the solution is available to every one who puts their whole trust in Jesus Christ for salvation.

Problems are for solving.  Do you need help with a problem?  Don’t wait until it gets worse—talk to someone who can help as soon as you can.  If you don’t know who to call, contact the National Association of Nouthetic Counselors for a reference to a Biblical counselor near you.  You can find a list at www.nanc.org.