Written by Pastor Jack Wellman– Henry Ward Beecher
Problem Solving
I once heard about a man who said that we are not meant to solve problems, problems are meant to solve us, and his point was problems can humble us and make us examine ourselves, and that’s always a good thing (James 4:6). Trying to solve problems that have no human solution is like Jacob wrestling with God…you can’t win. Look at problems as opportunities to grow and not as obstacles or roadblocks. Besides, a good roadblock could save your life.
Clay Vessels
Clay vessels that resist the potter’s hands with the washing of the water of the Word (Eph 5:26) will eventually turn hard and brittle and begin to crack, and once it’s cracked, it begins to leak. It’s hard to be filled with the Spirit when you have a leaky vessel. Pray that we don’t become a “crack pot!” Humility will guard against that happening.
Rocks and Hammers
When people rush into situations and try to solve people’s problems, they might actually be interfering with what God is trying to do in that person. Besides, there is the risk of enabling someone by providing for their needs and then they have no incentive to work. We never want to get in between the rock and the hammer, because God may be trying to soften their hearts to bring them to repentance and faith in Christ. If He brings them to an end of their own selves, how bad is that if they trust in Christ? Problems can be tools in the hands of a sovereign God.
Conclusion
God doesn’t waste anything in our life. Whatever happens, happens for our ultimate good (Rom 8:28), even if it doesn’t look like it. God will use life’s experiences to shape us, mold us, and conform us into the image of His own Son, Jesus Christ, and that’s the final product we should desire! I want to be pliable in the hands of the Living God and not resist His work in me. How about you?
