Dec 21, 2011
I always only have one problem
What helped me live by faith
This morning I remembered a conversation I had 24 years ago while walking with a friend in the hills above UC Irvine.
He said that when he thought he had lots of problems, it helped to realize that he always only had one problem — whether he was going to trust God or not.
I needed that — because this morning I faced multiple problems:
- Two tough decisions
- Three urgent deadlines
- Some discouraging news
Only one problem?
If I’m counting right — I had SIX problems. Why say I only have one?
It’s because of promises like Psalm 28:7 —
The LORD is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.
I might have six problems — but the psalmist says that if I will trust God, then He will help with each problem.
How will He help? Here’s what we find in God’s Word —
- He will give wisdom for every decision (James 1:5).
- He will give time, strength, and ability for every deadline (Psa 31:15).
- In every discouragement He will bring comfort (2Cor 1:3-4), give wisdom (James 1:5), and use it to bring me a future and a hope (Jer 29:11).
It’s not that God’s help makes everything easy. But His help will take care of every problem.
So how do I receive God’s help? Psa 28:7 says — by trusting Him.
Which means I really only have one problem — whether or not I am going to trust Him.
Road-kill
But this morning my faith felt like road-kill. I was so focused on my problems that I was blind to God’s goodness, power, and wisdom.
So how am I going to trust God?
Good news. God takes care of THAT problem, too — by promising to strengthen my faith (Luke 22:31-32).
If we will ask Him (Mark 9:24), and pray over God’s Word (Rom 10:17), then because of Jesus’ death God will run to us, meet us, and strengthen our faith.
That’s what He did for me today. He used —
- Zeph 3:2 to urge me to draw near to Him.
- A time of prayer over Jer 29:11 to show me His wisdom, power, and goodness.
- Time with Jan exploring a wildlife preserve to open my eyes to His creation.
- The Newsboy’s song “Devotion” to stir greater desire to be devoted to Him.
Now I am trusting Him. Which means I can be assured that God will help with every problem.
Next steps
Do you have any thoughts, reflections, push-backs? Feel free to leave a reply below. Thanks.
Do you know someone who is facing multiple problems? Send this to them using the “share” button below.
Would you like to receive a Saturday email giving a quick summary of the previous week’s blog posts? Subscribe here.
(Picture by 3dstuff on stock xchng.)
