“What to do with Problems You cannot Fix?”
* In our blog two weeks ago we addressed the topic “Problems we cannot fix”. We reached the conclusion that often we face issues in life that we simply cannot fix because we live in a broken world. We also mentioned that in spite of these “unfixable” problems, Jesus offers us peace.
* Then I remembered the “Serenity Prayer”. Have you heard or read it? Here it is: “God grant us the serenity to accept the things we cannot change, the courage to change the things we can, and the wisdom to know the difference."
* It is a nice little prayer, but there are still some actions we can take with a problem we can’t fix – those tough situations that puzzle us.
* The amazing thing is that God can fix everything in our life. He has the power to fix this broken world, but He decided in His wisdom to eventually let his world be destroyed and our life… well, in our life He already planted the seed of eternal perfection when the Holy Spirit brought the victorious Christ into our existence. So, yes, our life will be completely restored one day, but certainly not here on this planet.
* Remember what Paul went through… He spoke of a “Thorn in his flesh”. He was facing an issue that would not go away - he could not solve it. Was it an illness? Was an emotional problem? What was it? We do not know exactly, but it bothered him and he asked the Lord three times to take it away. God told Paul: “No! You will have to continue struggling with it. You don’t need this problem solved here, because I am with you… My grace is sufficient for you!” So, as he was weak by himself, God made him strong and used Paul to become the greatest missionary ever!
* Instead of resenting our “unfixable” problems – which is our natural tendency – we are told to focus on the strength of the Lord. Instead of getting bitter about it… what can be done with those unfixable issues and tragedies that hit us even when they seem completely unfair to us?
A. Ask God to ease your grief. This is not denying it or ignoring your problem or the crisis, you are going through it for a reason. As David did, tell God exactly how you feel. Use this to enhance your relationship with Him. Scripture says: “O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge” Psalm. 62:8. Why can we do that? Because the LORD is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.
B. Be willing to receive help from others.Don't isolate yourself. Christianity is not a solo sport, it is a team effort filled with relationships and opportunities. Find your support in a good and solid church family. If you are in a big church get in a small group, do not be alone or anonymous! Paul knew the importance of support groups… Listen to him: “Share each other's burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.” Gal. 6:2
C. Refuse to be bitter -You have a choice: become better or bitter. The author of Hebrews says: “Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.” Hebrews 12:15. So how to avoid bitterness because of an unsolvable problem? Accept what cannot be changed! Here is what Job says: "If only you would prepare your heart and lift up your hands to him in prayer! … You will forget your misery; it will be like water flowing away. Job 11:13,16. Focus on what you still have, not what you have lost! (We usually do the opposite!)
D. Remember what is important in life - It is not our stuff. It is not the career, cars, boats, toys, education, looks, or status. It is Relationships – our relationship with God, family, other believers and even those who are not believers yet. That is what matters! “After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can't take anything with us when we leave it.” I Tim. 6:7.
E. Focus on Christ -This is the secret reservoir of strength we have access to. This gives us the perseverance in tough times. Remember: “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” Phil. 4:13. Oh, and remember… God can fix anything if it is His will!
* Dale Carnegie’s advice to “count your blessings, not your troubles” is helpful at these times.
* God bless you as you celebrate Pentecost! Let the Holy Spirit guide you! Your pastor, Don Sonntag
* In our blog two weeks ago we addressed the topic “Problems we cannot fix”. We reached the conclusion that often we face issues in life that we simply cannot fix because we live in a broken world. We also mentioned that in spite of these “unfixable” problems, Jesus offers us peace.
* Then I remembered the “Serenity Prayer”. Have you heard or read it? Here it is: “God grant us the serenity to accept the things we cannot change, the courage to change the things we can, and the wisdom to know the difference."
* It is a nice little prayer, but there are still some actions we can take with a problem we can’t fix – those tough situations that puzzle us.
* The amazing thing is that God can fix everything in our life. He has the power to fix this broken world, but He decided in His wisdom to eventually let his world be destroyed and our life… well, in our life He already planted the seed of eternal perfection when the Holy Spirit brought the victorious Christ into our existence. So, yes, our life will be completely restored one day, but certainly not here on this planet.
* Remember what Paul went through… He spoke of a “Thorn in his flesh”. He was facing an issue that would not go away - he could not solve it. Was it an illness? Was an emotional problem? What was it? We do not know exactly, but it bothered him and he asked the Lord three times to take it away. God told Paul: “No! You will have to continue struggling with it. You don’t need this problem solved here, because I am with you… My grace is sufficient for you!” So, as he was weak by himself, God made him strong and used Paul to become the greatest missionary ever!
* Instead of resenting our “unfixable” problems – which is our natural tendency – we are told to focus on the strength of the Lord. Instead of getting bitter about it… what can be done with those unfixable issues and tragedies that hit us even when they seem completely unfair to us?
A. Ask God to ease your grief. This is not denying it or ignoring your problem or the crisis, you are going through it for a reason. As David did, tell God exactly how you feel. Use this to enhance your relationship with Him. Scripture says: “O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge” Psalm. 62:8. Why can we do that? Because the LORD is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.
B. Be willing to receive help from others.Don't isolate yourself. Christianity is not a solo sport, it is a team effort filled with relationships and opportunities. Find your support in a good and solid church family. If you are in a big church get in a small group, do not be alone or anonymous! Paul knew the importance of support groups… Listen to him: “Share each other's burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.” Gal. 6:2
C. Refuse to be bitter -You have a choice: become better or bitter. The author of Hebrews says: “Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.” Hebrews 12:15. So how to avoid bitterness because of an unsolvable problem? Accept what cannot be changed! Here is what Job says: "If only you would prepare your heart and lift up your hands to him in prayer! … You will forget your misery; it will be like water flowing away. Job 11:13,16. Focus on what you still have, not what you have lost! (We usually do the opposite!)
D. Remember what is important in life - It is not our stuff. It is not the career, cars, boats, toys, education, looks, or status. It is Relationships – our relationship with God, family, other believers and even those who are not believers yet. That is what matters! “After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can't take anything with us when we leave it.” I Tim. 6:7.
E. Focus on Christ -This is the secret reservoir of strength we have access to. This gives us the perseverance in tough times. Remember: “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” Phil. 4:13. Oh, and remember… God can fix anything if it is His will!
* Dale Carnegie’s advice to “count your blessings, not your troubles” is helpful at these times.
* God bless you as you celebrate Pentecost! Let the Holy Spirit guide you! Your pastor, Don Sonntag