WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU HAVE A PROBLEM?

 

Problems are part of life as we know it. There are different kinds of problems; they come in different forms, including poor health, financial challenges, family disagreements, professional difficulties, and the like. Our response to problems is to find solutions or resolutions before they get out of control.

The Bible admonishes us to call on God in our times of need; this step should be the first thing we do, even when we think there is a more concrete solution. For instance, when we’re sick, we should call the doctor, but since we have no control over how things are going to turn out, we should still seek God first.

Jacob, the father of the twelve tribes of Israel, was apprehensive when he was about to meet his brother, Esau, whom he hadn’t seen in over twenty years. Jacob had stolen Esau’s birthright and blessings years before and fled to their uncle Laban for safety (Esau was planning to kill him in revenge). But, after living with Laban for twenty years, God asked him to go back home. So, he got his family together and set out to return to Canaan (see Genesis 31:17).  

In his fear and distress, Jacob thought out a strategy; he sent servants and presents for Esau ahead of his family to appease his brother, and then he prayed! He claimed God’s promise of protection: “O LORD, you told me, ‘Return to your own land and to your relatives.’ And you promised me, ‘I will treat you kindly.’ … O LORD, please rescue me from the hand of my brother, Esau” (Genesis 32:9-11). Jacob not only petitioned God, but he also praised Him, confessed his unworthiness, and acknowledged God’s goodness to him up until then.  

Do you have a problem? Are you worried about something? Then do what Jacob did; he petitioned God. Remind yourself of God’s goodness in the past to encourage you that He’s able to take care of your current issue as well. Is there a promise you can claim, like, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you” (Hebrews 13:5)? Then claim it, and allow it to reassure and comfort you. God is faithful; He never goes back on His Word, so claim promises with confidence. But also make sure there are no unconfessed sins that you know of. 

Whatever your problems, turn them over to God; He is waiting for His children to call and express their dependence on Him. Even if your problems are the results of disobedience, remember that God is known to have changed His plan every now and then. For instance, while in the wilderness, the Israelites made themselves an idol (golden calf) to lead them, because they were unsure what had happened to Moses (he was on the Mountain with God). God had warned them many times before not to worship idols. Their behavior was inexcusable. God was so angry, He threatened to destroy them (see Exodus 32:9-10).

Moses sought the Lord in prayer, citing reason after reason why He shouldn’t destroy His own people: “Turn away from your fierce anger. Change your mind about this terrible disaster you have threatened against your people! ... So the LORD changed his mind about the terrible disaster he had threatened to bring on his people” (Exodus 32:12, 14).

God could have destroyed them, but Moses made some pretty good arguments, naming the promises He had made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Either way, God listened to Moses and changed His plan. So, bring your concerns to God and trust Him to intervene for His glory.