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How We Deal with Problems
by Dr. Paul Chappell
“And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
2 Corinthians 12:7–9
One of the reasons the Peanuts comics were popular for so many years is the level of insight into adult issues that appear in the mouths of young children. In one strip, Linus is talking to Charlie Brown when he says, “I don’t like to face problems head on. I think the best way to solve problems is to avoid them. In fact, this is a distinct philosophy of mine. No problem is so big or so complicated that it can’t be run away from.”
While that approach to problems may be attractive, it doesn’t truly resolve anything. In fact, problems that we refuse to deal with do not somehow magically disappear. They usually become even greater when we try to avoid them. The right approach is to take inventory of our own life and determine whether the problem is caused by something we have done or failed to do. Many of the difficulties we face are self-inflicted and can only be addressed by making a change.
But in the cases where the problem has an external cause, the most important thing we can do is run to God and seek His grace. While some of our prayers for relief will be answered quickly, some hardships will not be removed because they are part of God’s program to shape our lives. In either case, we must rely on His grace.
2 Corinthians 12:7–9
One of the reasons the Peanuts comics were popular for so many years is the level of insight into adult issues that appear in the mouths of young children. In one strip, Linus is talking to Charlie Brown when he says, “I don’t like to face problems head on. I think the best way to solve problems is to avoid them. In fact, this is a distinct philosophy of mine. No problem is so big or so complicated that it can’t be run away from.”
While that approach to problems may be attractive, it doesn’t truly resolve anything. In fact, problems that we refuse to deal with do not somehow magically disappear. They usually become even greater when we try to avoid them. The right approach is to take inventory of our own life and determine whether the problem is caused by something we have done or failed to do. Many of the difficulties we face are self-inflicted and can only be addressed by making a change.
But in the cases where the problem has an external cause, the most important thing we can do is run to God and seek His grace. While some of our prayers for relief will be answered quickly, some hardships will not be removed because they are part of God’s program to shape our lives. In either case, we must rely on His grace.
Today’s Growth Principle:
Only by facing our problems head on in God’s strength and grace can we see true victory.
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