Tag: Problems

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When Life Turns Up the Heat

When Life Turns up the heat.When life turns up the heat and hardship defines our existence, do we see it as punishment or an opportunity to grow?

Lately, I have been reflecting on this. Before Joseph arrived at the palace, he was sold into slavery and sent to prison. Before David became king, he had to defeat Goliath and escape from Saul. Esther was orphaned and exiled before she became queen. Moses went from Pharaoh’s palace to herding sheep in the wilderness. God doesn’t give us what we expect; He gives us what we need to be the person He made us to be. That’s the hard part, the refining.

Be a Coffee Bean

Just as God refines His people, heat also reveals what’s inside us. I heard this analogy: If you put an egg, a potato, and a coffee bean each in boiling water. The egg starts soft inside; the heat hardens it. The potato starts hard on the inside, but heat makes it soft. The coffee bean is another story. The coffee bean changes the water, turns it into something useful. The moral is that hardship can turn us hard and callous inside because of our circumstances. Hardship can beat you down, make you lose heart, and surrender your strength. But, hardship did not change the coffee bean; the coffee bean used the heat to change the water.

We all face struggles; it is part of living in a broken world. Hardship doesn’t define us—it refines us into who God designed us to be. Because we live in a fallen world, struggles will happen. God is aware of this and uses those challenges to refine and purify us.

Malachi 3:3, “He will act like a refiner and purifier.”

In these times, we need not question why this is happening to us, but what do You want me to do next? How do you want me to use what I am going through to become the person I was always destined to be?

“In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity.” — Albert Einstein

When Life Barges In

When life barges in to create chaos and hardship, that is when we are allowed to show others God’s grace. It is during these moments that others look to us to see what our faith will produce. Anyone can feel thankful in good times, but it takes someone of faith to be thankful during tough times. A person of faith knows that God cares enough about them to use these moments to shape them into something better. They are not looking for excuses or blaming others; instead, they are seeking purpose and direction.

Jesus experienced everything you’re going through. Jesus was misunderstood, disappointed by people, lonely, and tempted. If God allowed His Son to face all of that, will He also let you go through it? The reason is that God is more interested in your character than your comfort.

The point I want you to remember is that hardship is not meant to push you down, crush you. It is intended to draw you closer to Jesus and strengthen you. It is through this refining that we see how much God truly cares for us as individuals. He will not allow us to stay the same when a better us lives inside.

Refinement isn’t punishment, it’s preparation.

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Crushed but Not Broken

Shattered not brokenHave you ever felt like your plans were crushed, only to realize they weren’t broken but simply redirected for God’s purpose? Sometimes, God uses minor setbacks to teach us. This is a story of one such experience. Traveling internationally is always challenging. It’s not just about different languages and cultures; it’s also about everyday things like water and electricity. I was telling a friend the other day that I’ve never felt more entitled than when I stepped outside my environment into someone else’s.

Romans 8:28, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

This story illustrates how God uses a big problem for one person, and the solution then benefits someone else who wasn’t even involved at first.

Disaster in the Air

A laptop was crushed during transit—nothing serious, just an accident that happened at the worst possible moment. All of the documents and information needed to complete the mission were intact but unavailable. Work stopped. Plans were delayed. But God often hides His provision within our problems.

That same week, two young interpreters — twin sisters who were second-year college students — were busy helping the mission with translation and support. Both were intelligent, dedicated, and persistent, but neither had a computer, so using a borrowed computer wasn’t an option. They completed every school task and assignment on their cell phones. One was studying law, while the other was studying psychology. Their determination was inspiring, but their resources were limited.

Psalm 34:10, “The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.”

Disaster Opens Opportunity

Replacing the broken laptop opened a new opportunity. When shopping for a functional laptop to finish the mission, it was surprising to discover how affordable they were in this country. This realization would never have happened if the need for a laptop hadn’t been essential. It also brought to light the students’ needs.  What seemed like a problem turned into a chance to address a larger need. Losing one computer created space for two others to be used, allowing them to make a difference. What appeared to be a setback became an opportunity for growth.

Genesis 50:20, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good, to accomplish what is now being done…”

Opportunity Guides Solutions

One laptop was purchased to complete the mission and then given to one of the twins, while the second laptop was bought simply because God made the need clear. Now, both twins had an essential tool that made graduating from college easier. The lesson wasn’t about losing or giving up—it was about trusting. The tool was temporary; the impact was eternal. God turns inconvenience into influence and frustration into fruitfulness when we let Him write the story.

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What If You Quit Before the 41st Day?

enduring until the 41st dayTroubles Are Inevitable

The Bible makes it clear: we will face troubles. Troubles are the natural result of a fallen world. Some come because of our faith—the world does not readily accept God’s Word. Others are self-inflicted, born of our own sinful actions.

No matter the source, everyone faces difficulties and setbacks. Yet Scripture assures us that our struggles are not unique—and that God will always provide a way to endure.

1 Corinthians 10:13 “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to humanity. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”

That which is bitter to endure may be sweet to remember. – Thomas Fuller

The Biblical Pattern of 40 Days

Throughout Scripture, the number 40 marks a season of testing, waiting, or trial. But what comes after is just as important. On the 41st day, God’s faithfulness is revealed.

  • It rained for 40 days—and on the 41st day, the rain stopped.
    Genesis 7:12
  • Moses was on the mountain 40 days—and on the 41st day, he received the Ten Commandments. – Exodus 34:28
  • Goliath taunted Israel for 40 days—and on the 41st day, David struck him down. – 1 Samuel 17:16
  • Jonah preached to Nineveh for 40 days—and on the 41st day, God spared the city. – Jonah 3:4
  • Jesus fasted 40 days—and on the 41st day, the devil fled. – Matthew 4:1–2
  • After His resurrection, Jesus appeared for 40 days—and on the 41st day, He ascended to Heaven. – Acts 1:3

The pattern is clear: God shows up when the trial has run its course. Day 41 always comes.

Don’t Quit Before the Breakthrough

The psalmist reminds us:

Psalm 46:1–2, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea.”

The rain will stop. The giant will fall. Redemption will come. But you must not give up on Day 40.

Your “40 days” may not be literal. It might last hours, weeks, or even years. But the principle remains: God is faithful, and His breakthrough is certain.

Your Personal Day 41

The question is: Do you have enough faith to believe it? Are you so deep in the storm that you can’t imagine an end—or do you trust the God who created the universe, who sent His Son for your salvation, and who promises never to leave you?

Day 41 is coming. Will you endure until it arrives?

Faith That Endures

The heroes of faith in Hebrews knew this truth.

Hebrews 11:35–39. “Women received back their dead, raised to life again. There were others who were tortured, refusing to be released so that they might gain an even better resurrection. Some faced jeers and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were put to death by stoning,  sawn in two, and killed by the sword. Many went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted, and mistreated—the world was not worthy of them. Others wandered in deserts and mountains, living in caves and in holes in the ground. These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised.”

They endured without seeing the fullness of God’s promise—yet they were commended for their faith. How much more should we endure, knowing Christ has already secured the victory?

The Final Challenge

Don’t give up on Day 40. Trust that God is already at work. The storm will pass, the giant will fall, and your Day 41 is near. Stay faithful—because God always is.

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Change: What You Are Not Changing You Are Choosing

God is a God of ChangeWhat You Are Not Changing You Are Choosing is a quote from Laurie Buchanan. It suggests that you are implicitly accepting it as your reality by not taking action to change a situation.

We face choices daily—some we make actively, others through inaction. Yet, the truth remains: what we refuse to change, we are choosing. Scripture teaches us that God calls us active participants in our faith and lives, not passive bystanders.

Deuteronomy 30:19, “I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life so that you and your children may live.”

This verse reminds us that choosing to remain in unhealthy patterns, toxic environments, or spiritual complacency is still a choice—one that can keep us from the abundant life God intends for us.

“There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind.” – C.S. Lewis.

Are You Settling for Less Than God’s Best?

Are you staying in a situation that drains your spirit, hoping it will somehow change on its own? Are you waiting for the “right time” to grow spiritually, mend a broken relationship, or pursue the calling God has placed on your heart?

James 4:17, “If anyone knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin.”

Inaction is still a decision when we know we need to act.

Faith Requires Action

Jesus often called people to step out in faith before transformation happened. The blind man had to wash in the pool (John 9:7), Peter had to step out of the boat (Matthew 14:29), and the woman with the issue of blood had to push through the crowd to touch Jesus’ robe (Mark 5:27-28). Each had a choice: remain the same or move toward change.

“Faith never knows where it is being led, but it loves and knows the One who is leading.” – Oswald Chambers.

So ask yourself:

What area of my life am I waiting for God to change when He is waiting for me to take action?

What fear is holding me back, and am I trusting God’s strength over my own?

Am I praying for change but resisting the steps God is prompting me to take?

God’s Promise for Those Who Choose Change

Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

God does not call you to change on your own—God equips, strengthens, and walks with you.

If you’re not actively choosing growth, renewal, and obedience to God’s direction, you may choose stagnation, fear, or comfort over calling. But the good news is, today is a new opportunity to choose differently.

What will you choose?

Isaiah 43:18-19, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”

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Breaking Free: Doing That For Which You Were Created

Kyrgyzstan Winter photo by Nelly Kazykhodzhaeva 2024“Breaking Free: Doing That For Which You Were Created.” Have you ever felt like you might not be doing the right thing or that you’re just in the wrong place? It’s a familiar feeling, and we find ourselves in such situations for many reasons. Ideally, passion drives us—we discover what we love, pursue it, and thrive in it. But for many, that’s the exception rather than the rule.

“You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.” — C.S. Lewis, crediting Carl Bard.

Often, we start doing something, get good at it over time, and feel stuck because we’ve invested so much effort. The idea of starting over feels daunting, so we stay on a path that may not bring true fulfillment. Here’s the cautionary tale: no matter how much success or power you gain, there will always be an empty spot if you do not align yourself with your purpose. Think of David’s journey or Joseph.

Gallup’s Global Workplace Report (2022) reveals that only 21% of employees worldwide are satisfied with their work. This study indicates a widespread disconnect, with many feeling their jobs lack meaning or hope for the future. That’s not God’s plan for your life. His design is for you to experience joy, hope, and purpose.

The world is full of people treading water—moving along paths, unsure how to leave. Life has conditioned us to believe it is about survival, not happiness. But this is a misconception. God created you for more.

Here are some of my guiding principles to help you discern your purpose:

Doing Builds on Your Past

1 Peter 4:10: “As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”

Every season in life builds upon the last, preparing us for the next. God uses your experiences, even the difficult ones, to shape your future. Those dark times, when things didn’t go as planned, can become the roots of compassion and relatability.

If the direction you’re considering doesn’t incorporate your past experiences, pause and reevaluate. God never wastes what He’s invested in you.

You Have the Right Experience

James 1:17: “Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights.”

Purpose aligns with the skills and knowledge you’ve already acquired. While growth is essential, if your next step requires constantly struggling with tasks you dislike or don’t excel at, it’s unlikely to bring lasting joy.

Sacrifice is necessary at times, but constant sacrifice can lead to burnout. Align your calling with your strengths to serve others joyfully.

It’s the Right Time

Romans 11:29: “The gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.”

Timing is crucial. God grooms us for the right moment, instilling new skills, connecting us with the right people, and planting the desire for change. It might not be the right time if a decision feels forced or premature.

“The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.” — Frederick Buechner.

However, don’t let fear hold you back. There’s a difference between bad timing and resistance to change. Trust God’s leading to discern which it is.

You’re Qualified

1 Corinthians 12:4: “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit.”

Hard skills are essential, but they’re not the only measure of qualification. Passion and aptitude matter just as much. Soft skills—the essence of who you are—must align with your calling. You’ll burn out if you constantly push yourself out of your comfort zone. God designed you uniquely for your purpose, and it will align with who you are.

Doing Brings Joy

God’s purpose for you will ignite your passion. Ask yourself, “If I did this for the rest of my life, would it bring me joy?” Life is too short to ignore what excites your soul. God wants you to delight in the work He has prepared for you.

Seek Clarity

Finding your purpose is like searching for a unicorn—rare and challenging but worth it. Personal honesty is vital. Be open to the insights of others who know you well, as they might see strengths you’ve overlooked.

Remember, life unfolds in seasons. Each season builds upon the last, honing your skills and preparing you for the next chapter of God’s plan. Don’t view your purpose as static but as a dynamic journey of growth and discovery.

Trust in God’s timing, lean into your experiences and embrace the joy He has prepared for you. Your purpose is waiting—step into it boldly and confidently.

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Living the Life of Esther: Embracing Your God-Given Purpose

Overcoming difficultiesLiving the life of Ester: embracing your God-given purpose. Have you ever wondered if you’re where you’re meant to be? The story of Esther offers profound insight into how God orchestrates our lives to fulfill His purposes. In Esther 4:12-14, Mordecai’s words remind us of our divine placement: “And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” Even when we don’t realize it, we are precisely where God wants us to be.

Esther 4:12-14, “When Esther’s words were reported to Mordecai, he sent back this answer: “Do not think that because you are in the king’s house, you alone of all the Jews will escape. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”

“The will of God will not take us where the grace of God cannot sustain us.” – Billy Graham.

God’s Plan for You

The story of Esther is a testament to God’s intricate and long-term planning. From the exile of the Jews under Nebuchadnezzar to Esther’s adoption by Mordecai, from Queen Vashti’s fall to Esther’s rise in King Xerxes’ court, every event was part of God’s plan to save His people. Esther’s position wasn’t an accident; it was divinely orchestrated.

Mordecai’s message also serves as a challenge: “For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place.” This underscores two key truths: you are where God wants you, and if you don’t act, He will use someone else to accomplish His will.

You Are Where God Wants You

Don’t spend too much time questioning your placement. You’re where God wants you to be. Look around and recognize the opportunities in front of you. Your mission field begins when you wake up and lasts until you close your eyes at night. It may not be your ultimate calling, but it is your purpose for today.

“Wherever you are, be all there. Live to the hilt every situation you believe to be the will of God.” – Jim Elliot

Like Esther, your journey may include trials and uncertainty. She likely didn’t view her exile or the loss of her parents as blessings. Serving a gentile King in a foreign land was far from ideal. Yet, God used these experiences to prepare her for a pivotal moment.

Your circumstances may not seem significant, but they are part of God’s plan. Trust that God is guiding you even if the task is daunting or unclear. Esther faced a life-threatening decision to save her people. Most of us won’t face such stakes, but we are called to act in faith daily—whether speaking to someone about our beliefs, volunteering, or simply being a light in someone’s life.

If You Don’t Seize the Opportunity, God Will Use Someone Else

God’s plan is unstoppable. The question is, will you be part of it? If you don’t act, someone else will step into the role meant for you.

Luke 19:26, “To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given. But even what little they have will be taken away from those who do nothing.”

Taking small steps in obedience prepares us for more incredible things. God doesn’t need us to fulfill His plan, but He invites us to join Him to share in His joy. As the lyrics from Glen Campbell’s “Wichita Lineman” express, “I need you more than want you, and I want you for all time.” That’s how God feels about you. He has pursued you from the beginning of time to position you for a life of purpose and joy.

Live Fully in Today’s Mission Field

Luke 19:26, “To those who use well what they are given, even more, will be given. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away.”

Luke reminds us that we are responsible for what God puts before us. Our daily actions matter. Whether it’s a conversation with a neighbor, a gesture of kindness to a coworker, or volunteering at a local ministry, each step of obedience brings us closer to God’s purpose for our lives.

One conversation at an IMED conference resonates deeply. A participant asked how to discern if someone attending their training was the “right” person and if they would succeed. The answer was simple: God had planned it from the beginning. Our job is to pray, work diligently, and trust the results to Him.

Today, commit to living intentionally in the mission field where God has placed you. Don’t wait for tomorrow to act. Speak to the person God places in your path. Seize the moment before it passes and someone else experiences the joy God intended for you.

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Getting in the Way of God

Getting in the way of God, what does that mean? This idea is a concept that I struggle with constantly. It started with a passage in Mark.

Mark 8:31–33, “He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law and that he must be killed and after three days rise again. He spoke plainly about this, and Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. “Get behind me, Satan!” he said. “You do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.”

Jesus strongly rebukes Peter. What did Peter do to deserve this type of treatment? Peter put his desire and the world’s desires before God’s desire. He thought he had a better plan for saving his Jewish people. The problem was that Peter didn’t understand the right question. It was not saving the Israelites from the Romans but saving all humanity from destruction.

That took me back to the early 2000’s. We had a men’s retreat at my church. A recession was in progress, and some men were looking for jobs. After one man stood before the assembled men and asked for help in his job search, Leo Wells of Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, a relatively wealthy man, said not to get so involved in good works that you get in the way of God’s plans.

At the time, it struck me as a very unChrist-like statement. Should we not always do as much as we can with what we have to help another Christian?

1 John 3:17 ~ “If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?”

Getting in the Way

1 Corinthians 2:11, “For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so, no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.”

It took time and perspective to understand what Leo was saying. I looked at the crisis in my life for direction. How many times did God use a crisis to get my attention? How often have I walked away from a crisis with a greater appreciation for the experience?

We hate crises, uncertainty, and vulnerability. For me, it was mainly about how it affected others. People depended on me, and I was vulnerable. I didn’t know how long this situation would last, how bad it would get, or how I would keep my commitments.

It is in these moments that we cling to Christ. Many times, it is the crisis that causes us to rest in Christ’s promise never to desert us. A crisis is the ultimate litmus test of our faith. It is not the blessings and good times; it is when we are weakest and most vulnerable.

Had well-meaning Christians interfered with what God was trying to accomplish with me during a crisis, I may not have learned the lesson He had for me. I can’t say I looked at it that way during my dark hours; I wanted help, relief, and certainty. I wanted to get as far from my problem as humanly possible; I didn’t care what that looked like.

How Do We Know

Jeremiah 32:19, “Great are your purposes and mighty are your deeds. Your eyes are open to the ways of all mankind; you reward each person according to their conduct and as their deeds deserve.”

I find that there are times when we experience the downside to wisdom. Ignorance is bliss. God opens our eyes to His wisdom, and our limited human existence freezes. We don’t know how to deal with it. God knows everything, and we know so little about our impact on the future. What is our response when presented with an opportunity to help someone out of a crisis?

There is only one viable response: PRAYER. Every situation is unique. Every path forward has its own story. There are times when we should step in and help. But we must be aware that there are times when we need to trust God a little bit more. There may be a purpose behind the situation that we do not see. The best worldly advice I can give is to see if God is not holding open another door that does not include us. Prayer is the only way you can decern this.

Job 42:2, “I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted.”

Constantly, others present me with opportunities to help. It seems the opportunities are endless. I have tried to learn not to be impulsive. My kneejerk reaction is to do something. The correct answer is to pray about it. Let God do His thing. I hate to see people in pain, but sometimes, a little pain is precisely what God intends. I think about the long-term consequences of my help. Will it promote independence and growth, or will it foster dependency?

Leo’s Echo

It has been almost a quarter of a century, and that one statement by Leo haunts me. When do I play, and when do I sit on the sidelines? When am I helping with God’s plan for another, and when am I getting in the way? I have gained the wisdom to ask the question but not the wisdom to answer it. That is troubling.

1 John 2:6, “The one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked.”

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A Problem Without a Solution is a Fact

“If a problem has no solution, it may not be a problem but a fact, not to be solved, but to be coped with over time.” – Israeli Prime Minister Shimon Peres

Recognizing Facts and Moving Forward

Understanding that some issues are beyond resolution can be liberating. Consider the example of a parent who may not have provided the ideal level of support during your upbringing. This might have impacted your self-esteem or emotional growth. While this situation is unfortunate, it’s a fact of your past that cannot be altered. Instead of dwelling on the unchangeable, we can focus on how to move forward positively.

The Power of Perspective

How we handle problems differs significantly from how we accept facts. Problems can be dissected, analyzed, and tackled step-by-step. The future is open to influence and transformation. Conversely, some life circumstances are immutable, whether they stem from the past or exist in the present beyond our control.

1 Peter 3:9, “Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.”

Problem-solving is part art and part skill. Some tried and true approaches help minimize the impact of problems. There are strategies for breaking a problem into manageable parts and solving each at a time. Sometimes, solving a problem requires playing a hunch or rolling the dice but in a predictable manner. The art must be grounded in skill. But how do we deal with a problem without a solution?

Navigating Unsolvable Problems

An insightful lesson from my college days comes to mind. I had a calculus professor who always put one problem on the test that did not have a solution. Although his responsibility was to teach us math, he also felt compelled to teach us about life. A student would flunk the test if they didn’t concede that some problems are unsolvable. They would spend all their time working on one equation that had no answer, leaving the other, solvable problems, unattended. Once students understood this, they were more careful about how they spent their time during the test. Now, the question is to decide which problems are complicated or unsolvable.

James 1:12, “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.”
Accepting and Adapting to Facts

Many of us struggle to accept unpleasant facts, which can lead to frustration and wasted effort. Embracing reality allows us to redirect our energy towards meaningful pursuits. Acceptance paves the way for peace and purpose, freeing us from the burden of trying to change the unchangeable.

Romans 8:31, “What shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?”
Creating a Positive Path Forward

A problem without a solution becomes a fact, and accepting it is the first step towards progress. We must forgive past transgressions, whether ours or others’, and focus on what we can influence. For instance, dealing with different personality types isn’t about changing others but adjusting our approach to create productive interactions.

1 Peter 3:8, “Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.”
Living with Compassion and Faith

Compassion can transform relationships and situations. Slowing down, being humble, and accepting solutions beyond our control can lead to extraordinary outcomes. Trusting in Christ and embodying His love helps alleviate stress and anxiety, leading to smoother paths in life.

Romans 12:2, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what the will of God is, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
Trusting in Divine Guidance

Recognizing that God’s love can overcome all obstacles is empowering. Many of life’s challenges are, in fact, unchangeable, and we must turn these over to God. Instead of struggling against the inevitable, we can seek guidance, patience, and a way forward through faith.

John 8:36, “So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.”

By embracing facts and focusing on what we can influence, we open ourselves to a life filled with peace, purpose, and the transformative power of faith.

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Why it Happens or What Do I Do Next?

When faced with a difficult situation, do you ask why it happens or what do I do next? Why something happened is grounded in the past.  It is passive in that you can not change the past. It is blame-oriented. What you want me to do next is grounded in the future. It is active in that it requires me to do something to change the future; it is forgiveness-oriented. 

“You may be wondering why such difficulty has come into your life. However, the greater question is, “Lord, how do You plan to use this difficulty so I may serve You better?” ― Charles F. Stanley, How to Let God Solve Your Problems: 12 Keys for Finding Clear Guidance in Life’s Trials.

Proverbs 26:24 “Enemies disguise themselves with their lips, but in their hearts they harbor deceit.”

Why It Happens?

What to choose, why it happens, or what do I do next? Most people I know gravitate to why something is happening in their life. They want to know who said what, who did what, and who is responsible. Somehow, understanding who is at fault makes it more understandable. Unfortunately, that is not usually true; debating the past shrouds the present. The he said, she said, they said interrogation only leads to hurt feelings and a defensive posture. People do not remember exact words or actions. Personal bias taints repeated conversations; we remember what we want to hear. The discussion is personal.

Matthew 7:3-5, “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”

If we ignore the mistakes from the past, we will likely repeat them. However, learning from the past is all about making a better future. It’s about figuring out what we want and how to get there. What happened in the past doesn’t matter as much as what we should do in the future. To understand and solve a problem, we first must admit there’s a problem. Instead of blaming, it’s more important to focus on finding a good solution to prevent the same problem from happening again.

Proverbs 18:17, “Any story sounds true until someone tells the other side and sets the record straight.”

What Do I Do Next?

Let me give you an example of why it happens or what do I do next collide. I was at a board meeting where one party thought we had overspent the budget; another party understood we had a surplus. Rather than accepting the problem that we had two different perceptions, the discussion went toward who did what wrong. This conversation went on for over a week via text and email. At no point did the discussion turn to what do we do in the future to avoid this happening again. Can we create one set of financials that is acceptable to everyone? It was more important to understand who was right and who was wrong. Egos became bruised, reputations were tainted, and relationships got strained.

Christ wasn’t that way. He didn’t quiz people on the situation that gave way to sin. He accepted that sin had happened; the question was what to do next. You didn’t read that Jesus reconciled relationships by allocating blame. His focus was on the desired state and how to achieve it. He told people what they had to do for salvation. Christ has forgiven the past.

What About People Problems?

What if the problem is that two people don’t like each other? Listening to them complain will not help get to the root cause of the problem. Asking each one what they would ultimately like to see to resolve the problem would be a better approach. Getting to the root cause is far more productive than listening to two people gossip and slander each other. Getting to the root cause requires getting the parties to get off their emotions and on to a more objective conversation.

This sometimes creates a paradox concerning why it happens or what do I do next.

Regarding personalities, it sometimes means that the solution is to help one of them find another path. Toxic personalities that do not seek positive change are unsuitable for any relationship. But they still deserve grace. You must use compassion and love when you pursue a solution.

Romans 12:14-21, “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink’… Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

Desired State

“All adversity, every problem you face, is a gift of love given to you from the hand of God.” ― Charles F. Stanley, How to Let God Solve Your Problems: 12 Keys for Finding Clear Guidance in Life’s Trials.

Ultimately, good problem-solving relies on God’s guidance. It is trusting that God knows everything, cares about everything, and is not surprised by anything. You can not change the past; the future is malleable; it has many possibilities. God desires that we not live in the past but look forward to the future.

People all have baggage, flaws, and biases. Much of what people say at the moment is a product of something in the past. Previous conversations or events bleed over to current situations. Even our childhood experience raises their ugly head from time to time. We can not rely on what is said to determine what is wrong accurately. The root of the problem may not have anything to do with the situation. God would want us to set aside our need to be heard to focus on His need for us to show compassion and grace. When faced with conflict or disappointment, ask yourself, “Lord, what do you want me to do next?”

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Living a Life That Inspires

There are leaders and those that lead. Leaders hold positions of power; those that lead inspire.

There is no louder voice in your life than your character’s voice; it is the drumbeat that announces the consistency of your actions over time. I have seen people of character make incredible decisions of great sacrifice without saying a word. They just did what was right because it was right; nothing more. It cost them a lot, but not as much as it would have cost to live otherwise.

Luke 8:17, “For nothing is hidden that will not become evident, nor anything secret that will not be known and come to light.”

As we strive to become the person God made us be, we must face hard choices. It is the hard choices that define our character. The easy stuff anyone can do. To temper steel, it has to be super-heated. Steel is tempered to achieve greater toughness by decreasing the hardness. We must be tested in the heat of life to perfect our toughness by reducing our hardness. We are to reflect hope by discarding our bitterness; humility by turning our back on self-centeredness.

1 Corinthians 3:13, “each man’s work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each man’s work.”

I’m reminded of a story in John chapter nine. It is the story of Jesus helping the blind man see. The disciples ask Jesus whose fault it was that the man was blind; was he or his parents? Jesus replied that it was through his blindness that others would see God.

John 9:1-4, “As He (Jesus) passed by, He saw a man blind from birth. And his disciples asked Him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him.”

The people in our sphere of influence watch how we live and draw conclusions concerning our character. It is easy to display a positive persona when things are going right, and all is good in the world. The critical test is what do we look like when things are not so good? Do we still exhibit trust in Christ? Do we still project hope and reassurance when everyone knows our life sucks?

As much as I  would prefer it was different, I now look at challenges as opportunities to show others my faith. When I am in a  dark place, I need to let Jesus’ light radiate through me. This opportunity is the very moment of truth that God can use to spread the Gospel.

Ephesians 5:13, “But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light.”

Very few people live to be tested. Most are like me; try me if you must, but make it either multiple choice or fill in the blank. I dread the heart wrenching tests, like losing a loved one, cancer, or job changes. But I know those will take supernatural powers that I don’t have. The test that catches me off guard is the pop quizzes; you know, deception, anger, or jealousy. So many times, I fail those because I didn’t prepare for them. The big test I cram for; I pray, read scripture, and seek a Christian council. The pop quizzes find me lacking. The bible would say a lamp without oil.

It is natural to focus inwardly in times of peril. It is important to remember of the many people in your sphere of influence whose eternity might rest on what you do next. God has created you for moments just like this. The God that spoke the universe into existence loves you and will not set you up for failure. God’s testing is not to find you lacking but to display His power through you.

Paul concludes his letter from prison to the Colossians by asking them to pray, not for his release from prison, but that God may open the door for the message so that he may proclaim the mystery of Christ. He asked that they pray that he may make the most of the opportunity and that his speech be gracious, seasoned with salt.

Colossians 4: 3-6, “At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.”

Live to inspire. Let your light shine brightest when darkness comes.

1 Peter 1:7, “so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ,”

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