A. ATTITUDES TOWARDS PROBLEMS
“As you have received Christ Jesus as your Lord, continue to faith-walk in Him.” Colossians 2:6, ELT
1. The “Towns Frustration” with problems. Why Me? Why Now? Why This?
2. Wrong attitudes about problems:
a. You are unsaved.
b. You are unspiritual.
c. God has forsaken you.
3. Health problems – solving attitudes:
a. You can’t run from them.
b. You can’t keep problems from happening.
c. You can solve them.
4. Causes of problems:
a. Change. “Any change for any reasons for any purpose, is deplorable.” ~Duke of Canterbury.
b. Differences. Usually different ethnic backgrounds, experiences, child rearing, age, expectations, etc.
c. Circumstances. Personal needs, space, money, tools, skills, etc.
5. Three questions to ask:
a. How big is the problem? It might be smaller, a well-defined problem is a half-solved problem. Need objective eyes.
b. Who is involved in the problem? Most problems are a conflict of attitudes.
c. What does the larger group think about the problem? When you ask for opinions, you get people’s support/help.
6. Three wrong attitudes toward problems:
a. Fuss – preach against it.
b. Fight – organize resistance.
c. Die – either you kill it, or it kills you.
7. Three problem-solving eyes:
a. Eyes to see the positive, “Lord, increase our faith” (Luke 17:5).
b. Eyes to see people involved.
c. Eyes to see beyond failure. “Looking unto Jesus” (Hebrews 12:2).
B. STEP BY STEP PROBLEM SOLVING
1. Get the facts:
a. Gather – files, records, phone records, lists, etc.
b. Define the problem (write out) before trying to solve.
You make good decisions on good information
You make bad decisions on bad information
2. Establish biblical principles:
a. The Bible is our operator’s manual.
b. Search secular sources for their solutions.
3. Evaluate the facts:
a. Find the cause of problem.
b. Define the problem.
4. Determine various solutions to the problem:
a. God does not speak through a vacuum, but through information/facts.
b. Making a list of solutions, may help you see a solution.
5. Choose/apply the best solution:
a. In life, no perfect solutions, only best solutions.
b. Yield problem to God.
c. Ask what is God teaching me through this process?
C. PRACTICAL PRINCIPLES
1. The more weighty your decision, the broader your information gathering, the longer the time spent in prayer, fasting, and considering the options. The more severely your problem shakes you equilibrium, spend more time and more intensity seeking your solution.
2. Plan Bible reading that deals with problem-solving, and devotional reading that focuses on God and worhisp. These times your solution will “pop” into your thinking.
3. Pray about every possible decision, and about the possible solutions.
4. Write and rewrite your problem and possible solutions.
5. Write out all possible solutions before attempting to apply one.
6. In your darkest hour, remember God has an answer/solution. “I being in the way, the Lord led me" (Genesis 24:27). You must be in the way.
If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:
Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.
Dr. Towns’ email is eltowns@liberty.edu.
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