So Long Mrs. Fix-It
I’m a fixer. When someone tells me about a problem, I’m already thinking about a way to solve it. That’s not always a good thing. In fact, sometimes it can create more problems than it solves.
I remember counseling a friend who was dealing with a tricky situation. After hearing her dilemma, I gave my advice without considering others who were involved. You guessed it – I should have prayed before opening my mouth. So long Mrs. Fix-It.
It’s no mystery that life is full of challenges. Sooner or later, all of us will face some tough stuff. Last week, author Mary DeMuth was transparent about the challenge she and her family are currently facing.
Value in suffering
Since we will eventually face difficulty, why not prepare for it today? One of my favorite passages talks about the value of our trials:
“Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.”1 Corinthians 1:3-4
Maybe you’re not facing a trial right now but your friend is struggling. What’s the right counsel to give someone facing a serious issue? As we let Christ mold us through our own difficulties, we’ll have something to offer those who come to us for direction.
Making your counsel count
God’s Word gives wonderful direction:
Be a good listener – sometimes people just need to voice their concerns and aren’t looking for answers
“Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.”James 1:19
Pray for wisdom as you respond – God’s wisdom is what’s needed
“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”James 1:5
Point to Christ – He gives grace and hope
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”Matthew 5:16
Offer to pray – the Lord wants us to pray for others; He hears and answers prayer
“Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.”Galatians 6:2
Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” James 5:16
Be a friend – continue reaching out as Christ’s hands and feet
“Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;”Romans 12:10
As odd as it seems, problems are blessings in disguise
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They teach us to depend on God while we’re going through them, and afterwards they give us an opportunity to share what we’ve learned to help others.
Whether you’re going through a trial or helping a friend deal with a rough situation let the Lord use every bit of it to remind you of the truth: God is bigger than any problem you will ever face. He’s still in control. And He will never leave you – you have His Word on it!
Your turn
Facing a tough situation? Or know someone who is? What step will you take to make the most of the circumstance and honor Christ?
Prayer
Prayer: Gracious Lord, it’s hard to embrace trials when they come my way. A lot of times I’m fooled into thinking life should be easy and is about my happiness. Remind me of Your truth – being conformed to the image of Christ will involve difficulties and hard stuff. Don’t let my trials be wasted. Use them to help others and point to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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