…is the distance between your knees and the floor.
Is the shortest distance between a problem and a solution found through prayer as this quote suggests? We all have problems and we are no doubt looking for solutions. But, why do we try to fix problems on our own or enlist the advice of others before we pray?
This is a guest post by Beth Harris. She is a wife, mother, Bible study leader and volunteer editor for markalanwilliams.net.
Maybe, we are looking for a quick fix. But as I think about it, prayer is the quick fix because God always answers prayer.
A few weeks ago, I encountered the problem of being locked out of my car at the grocery store. My key fob wasn’t working. As I began walking the mile home, praying and venting, I sensed the Lord asking me to thank Him for my blessings. So, I began thanking Him, though it was a little challenging at first.
Then I thought, maybe I should call my husband to see if he has left work early, which he rarely does. Remarkably he was just 10 minutes away. He showed me the emergency key hidden inside the fob. Problem solved.
If only every solution were that simple.
God is the great problem solver and He can help us find a solution to every problem we face.
Prayer is simply talking to God, but first we have to make sure that we are right with Him.
We do this by confessing our sins, receiving His forgiveness and coming into a relationship with Him by receiving His Son, Jesus Christ.
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After receiving Jesus, we remain in fellowship with the Lord through Bible reading, worship, prayer and keeping a short account with Him of our sins through regular confession.
1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (NIV)
Jesus assures us in John 14:14, “You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.” (NIV)
Furthermore, the Bible encourages us to keep praying:
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says, “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (NIV)
Romans 12:12 says, “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”(NIV)
Luke 18:1 says, “Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.” (NIV)
While God does answer prayer and His solutions are always best, they may not be the easiest or most convenient.
A problem and a solution might seem impossible. Sometimes the solution comes quickly and other times the solution may be for us to continue praying and trusting in Him.
The truth is that God in His perfect wisdom, doesn’t give us everything that we pray for, because not everything is in our best interest.
But, we can trust that He is working for our good as Romans 8:28 says, “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.” (NIV)
In addition to prayer, God will often give a solution through His Word. Therefore, we need to develop a habit of letting Him speak to us by reading the Bible. This is the way to know if our solutions are Biblically based.
Applying Biblical principles enables us to build a firm foundation for life that will help us to stay grounded when the storms of life come.
Lastly, after praying and reading the Bible, if we are still unsure of a solution to a problem; then we can obtain wise counsel from a Christian Pastor or mature Christian.
Always confirm any counsel with the truth of Scripture and make sure they are in agreement.
“The shortest distance between a problem and a solution is the distance between your knees and the floor.” Charles Stanley
Who do you go to when you have a problem?
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