Well, maybe this title is a little deceptive, or perhaps exaggerated.
Thankfully, I do not have ninety nine problems -but I sure have my share.
I'm not going to specifically list each one, but I'm pretty confident that I'm not alone or unique in any of the struggles and/or burdens that I face today.
To list a few; anger, co-dependancy, internalization, financial struggles, etc. Do you relate to any of these problems?
In the early stages of my transformation from a worldly being to a follower of Christ, I learned that with God there are no negatives; only positives.
Let's be clear, burdens, struggles, hardships, uncomfortable times for sure - but rather than seeing these things as problems, how about as an opportunity?
John 16:33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
Problems are always going to be here, as perfection doesn't exist on this side of eternity. So what needs to change?
We do! If we keep looking at things the same way and approach them the same way, what do you think we're going to get?
The same result.
Isn't this the definition of insanity?
Ephesians 4:23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.
If we've accepted Christ but still face our struggles in the same ways we are not truly allowing the renewing of our minds and will continue to struggle.
The 'yesterme' had a really short walk to the land of insanity. It's a much further walk today. I am far more accepting of things today. I react less to "opportunities" and think first (most days). I recognize that I'm not in control but surely have an active role to play that greatly affects the outcome.
And how about how we affect those around us? How are we representing Christ when we allow the "yesterme" get the victory?
This is an area where I struggle greatly. I don't regularly or immediately give it to God. I fall to internalization, which leads to silence, ignoring, and eventually evolves into murmuring which only leads it to an explosion ... and then there's the collateral damage.
There I go trying to be in control again.
Where did the unconditional love go?
I used to tell my son, "you get out what you put in". Time to take my own advice;
or better yet - Gods.
Galatians 3:3 How foolish can you be? After starting your Christian lives in the Spirit, why are you now trying to become perfect by your own human effort?
Ever stop to think that God is using other people around you and their circumstances to provide you an opportunity to grow? An opportunity to apply something different than what you've always done before?
Start today. Change your perception. Turn to God first.
Find the silver lining in your struggle/burden and see how 99 problems begin to look like opportunities.
James 1:2 [ Faith and Endurance ] Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.
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To He Be The Glory!
