When a difficult situation arises, where is the first place you turn? If I’m honest I would have to tell you that, most times, my first gut-level inclination is to immediately go into problem-solving mode and try to handle it on my own…you know, to try to work my way out of the situation. Most people I know are wired this way. I could say I’m just self-sufficient. I could also say I don’t want to bother anyone else with my problems. But what it really is, is pride.

I heard an interesting quote this week: “Problems are situations engineered by God to bring us face to face with our deficiencies so that we view His sufficiencies as our only alternative.” I don’t know who originally said it but I like it. Many times, our difficult circumstances are brought about solely so we can begin to seek God…so that we turn toward Him. He wants us going to Him first in everything, even our tough circumstances.

I recently read the book “Fresh Faith” by Jim Cymbala. He shares this about what he oftentimes suggests to those in a difficult spot…something we can all learn from:

When people come to my office overloaded with problems, not knowing where to turn, I sometimes say, “Here is what I want you to do: Go sit with the Prayer Band upstairs in their special room this Friday night from midnight to two in the morning.”

They often react with shock on their faces. “Oh, Pastor Cymbala–I’m so discouraged I can’t believe that the sun will come up tomorrow. I could never pray for two hours!”

“I didn’t ask you to pray,” I reply. “I just asked you to go sit there. The Prayer Band will pray for you. And God will operate on your heart as you just wait in his presence.”

How many times have I heard back from these people that while they were sitting in that atmosphere, God brought alive his Word and his promises and lifted up their spirits to believe. Thanksgiving began to flow. They began to remember the good things God had done in their past. Faith began to spring anew as they waited on the One who can so easily turn everything around in life.”

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:28