Running from our problems

As a church leader, I deal with problems every single day.

Problems, problems, problems!

Here's what I know:  You never solve a problem by running from it.

Instead of running from our problems, we need to embrace them.

Accept the reality of the problems in our lives.

We are not to be overtly negative (pessimistic) or crazy positive (head in the clouds), but realistic with the knowledge that God is there to help us.

Jesus said it this way in Luke 9:23-25, "Then He told them what they could expect for themselves.  "Anyone who intends to come with Me has to let Me lead.  You're not in the driver's seat.  I am.  Don't run from suffering.  Embrace it.  Follow Me and I'll show you how.  Self-help is no help at all.  Self-sacrifice is the way - My way to finding yourself, your true self.  What good would it do to get everything you want and lose you, the real you."

We are not to run from our suffering, but to embrace it.  To fully experience it with God's help.

Denial of a problem can lead to an avoidance of pain which can lead to all kinds of neurosis. 

Anxiety.  Fear.  Depression just to name a few.

Some people fall into escapism:  Watching too much T.V.  Drinking too much.  Taking drugs.  Obsessing over a hobby.  Anything to kill the pain.

Yet, when we embrace the reality of our problems, we trust it to God and then He will do some amazing things. 

And with the knowledge that God is in control, we can rest know that "everything is fine."

Just a thought for a Tuesday.