When Problems Become an Incubator for Hope
Scripture of the Day:
2 Chronicles 1:7-10
7 “That night God appeared to Solomon and said to him, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” 8 Solomon answered God, “You have shown great kindness to David my father and have made me king in his place. 9 Now, Lord God, let your promise to my father David be confirmed, for you have made me king over a people who are as numerous as the dust of the earth. 10 Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of yours?”
Hope Discovery of the Day:
A problem offers hope for those willing to wrestle to find a solution.
There is something about the carefree blowing of a dandelion in the wind that makes us wish that life’s problems were so easy. What is the point of problems, anyway, right?
My Dad has been known to say that he is weary of people talking about having “issues” as opposed to having “problems”. A problem has a solution. An issue is, well, something we complain about – a difficult decision or disagreement. When people say they’ve got issues, they are saying they are stuck with their issues.
A problem offers hope for those willing to wrestle to find a solution. It might mean wrestling in the spiritual realm through prayer or working hard to resolve a situation that has arisen. Sometimes, though we just wish problems would disappear, right?
If we could have a genie in a bottle and wish for anything what would it be? Probably for a problem to be removed. A solution found. Solomon was given one such wish. Next in line to rule God’s nation, he was given the chance to ask for anything and he asked for wisdom. Not for deliverance from enemies, not for riches or fame. He asked not for himself, but for God’s glory and for the ability to be able to lead His people. And Solomon asked for wisdom before the problems even began.
Wow, what a model. When problems arise, we can do the same. Wisdom is a far greater need than mere relief. But we can also pray before problems come our way. In humility, we do not know what a day may bring forth. But God does.
Problems interrupt our lives and can cause us to turn to God to meet our need. Just hoping or wishing that our problems will disappear is not hope at all. But placing our hope in the One Who knows our problems completely is a living hope.
Wishing is not as powerful as praying. When we pray to our great God in all of life’s challenges, we are changed. Problems will not last forever and serve as a catalyst to bring us closer to God.
Lord, thank you for being our answer to every life problem. We love You!
