Job 22:28 When you make a decision, it will be carried out, and light will shine on your ways.
The problem with the problem is that everyone involved in the problematic situation knows there is a problem but is often overwhelmed by it and has difficulty finding a solution. When the situation becomes dire, people stand around discussing the problem and reinforcing the fact that the problem is bigger than they can manage. There are solutions to all problems, but it seems these people spend more time focusing on the mess. We can all think of family members, acquaintances, or company managers who are in a constant vortex of facing problems that go on and on because these same people are the ones who caused the troubles. These people are always trying to fix a problem they created with a new set of problems that they are instigating. A never-ending cycle of bouncing from one crisis to the other. 2Tim. 3:7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
Years ago when I lived in Queensland Australia. A brother in the Lord asked me for some help. Micheal had a brother who did not believe in God nor was friendly toward those who did believe in God. Michael asked me to come out to his brother’s papaya plantation to see if I had some ideas to help his brother get out of debt. As well as the papaya plantation, this man also had pigs he was raising for the market, and he was supplementing his farm income by working welding jobs on the side when he could get the work. The reason for all the debt was the considerable mortgage on the farm, the high cost of fertilizer and weed control chemicals, the expensive pig food, and the lack of customers who needed welding done.
We arrived at the farm and I noticed some quarter-inch round, four-foot-high and eight-foot-long metal rod fencing panels leaning against the shed. The owner of this farm described all his woes, and how he could not catch a break because everything was so expensive and no one wanted to help him. I could see why he did not have many customers for welding jobs and why people would be reluctant to help him because he came across as hard-nosed – don’t tell me what to do, I know what I’m doing – type of person.
An idea came to me, and I explained that if he, by welding, made some four-foot high by seven-and-a-half-foot square cages out of the metal round fencing panels, he could put a few pigs in each of the cages and place the cages between the papaya trees that were planted eight feet apart. He and his wife could pick up a cage with one person on opposite sides and move it along to the next square patch of weeds, grass, and ground cover so the pigs could eat and the land would be fertilized simultaneously. This process would naturally enrich the soil thus helping the papaya trees to produce better yield. Michael was so excited about this possible solution that could help his brother bring down some of the costs on the farm. Michael’s exuberance was loudly expressed, “Wow, what a great idea because the cost of pig food, fertilizer, and weed killer would go way down and the extra money saved could go toward the mortgage.”
Michael’s brother then said, “That is the stupidest idea I have ever heard! That will never work, you don’t know anything about growing plants.” I was not saying that this idea was the be-all to end-all, I was pointing out that with what he had available on his property this might work better than what he was doing. Illumination had been shed on an idea, but the choice to go forward with it was within the property owner’s choice to work the plan that could get rid of some problems on the farm. Job 22:28 When you make a decision, it will be carried out, and light will shine on your ways. But there it was, as we were driving back home, Michael said, “What an incredible God idea that was, if only my brother would have thought it through, but he has always been a fool and has destroyed everything he has ever put his hands to doing because the problem is that he is the problem.” Prov. 27:22 You can beat a fool half to death and still never beat the foolishness out of him.
Yes, often the problem with the problem is us. How many times have we rejected the counsel of God and fallen flat on our faces then turned around and asked God why He let us fall? The fact is, had we obeyed we would have solved the complications we found ourselves to be in. Heb. 4:14 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. King Solomon’s son Rehoboam was counselled by the elders of the land to lighten the load of the people, but Rehoboam rejected the counsel. 1Kings 12:8 But Rehoboam rejected the advice of the elders; instead, he consulted the young men who had grown up with him and served him. Rehoboam became a problem for the nation as he made the load upon the people heavier than it had to be. 1Kings 12:11 My father laid on you a heavy yoke; I will make it even heavier. My father scourged you with whips; I will scourge you with scorpions. This eventually caused a rebellion and people got hurt.
We see this reenactment of terrible leadership throughout history. Despots, dictators, and tyrants are the cause of so many wars and problems they created. Their solutions are just as problematic, resulting in lost generations of people who end up slaughtered. Self-made problems need solutions. Humility is needed so that the one who caused the mess can humbly ask for help. Jer. 33:3 Call to Me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know. Looking back to that day at the papaya plantation, all Michale’s brother had to do was take a moment to think things through and look at the possible solution available to him at no cost, but his stubborn disposition and anti-God beliefs kept him blind to some simple ideas that could free him from debt. If your problems are mounting up then ask God for help who gives wisdom freely to those who trust and love the Lord. James 1:5 If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.
Let us not be the reason for the problems, but rather let us be the anointed solution by solving with God’s help the problems that come our way. May we all find the grace needed to be victors and not victims of the foolishness running rampant throughout this world. Keep asking God for the answers because He has them. Blessings.
Give us humble ears to hear, and the grace to change, Lord! Good message, Norm.