Focus: Two Problems (Pt.2)

Text: Lk.18:27

"The things which are impossible with men are possible with God."

Yesterday, we addressed one of the two problems in our lives, namely the problem that is solvable by God. Today, we are focusing on the other problem, namely, the problem that is solvable by man.

God created man with the ability to solve his own problems, limited power though. There are problems that man can solve. God gives man sense and strength to handle his many issues, and when I talk about what man can do, that obviously includes what you can do for yourself. 

God will not do for you what He has already given you power to do for yourself.

Moses says, "But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth…" (Dt.8:18). That is the power to live above hunger and poverty. Also, God demands that we serve Him with all our strength. Use your God-given strength to improve your lot in life and society.

We need one another to be able to handle life's issues as they come. Jesus Christ says, "Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall MEN give into your bosom…" (Lk.6:38). Giving and getting go hand in hand, and men are God's instruments. He uses others to help us in times of need, but we have to be good and kind to others. We attract what we are and what we do. We must ensure that we are in good relationship with others. God throws nothing down from heaven. Many of His blessings come to us through men. Despise no one. Do not go about causing trouble and creating enemies for yourself.

God uses whoever He chooses to bless us, even the people we don't love. Nothing can take the place of being and doing good. What we reap is tied to what we sow.

Asking for help from others requires humility and courage. Those who have made self their idol find it extremely difficult to ask for favors or assistance. People who worship at the altar of self-independence and individualism have an exaggerated opinion of themselves. They hate and fear to ask. They hold back from asking for help. But Jesus Christ says, "Ask, and it shall be given you…" It takes humility and courage to ask or beg for help. The truth is that begging is part of our spirituality. We demonstrate the virtue of humility by asking. We have what we need in one another. We can't open up to ask for help if we are not humble.

God has planted men everywhere to help you. He has positioned men along your path to assist you in every way possible. You will meet them along life's paths.

*There's an Abraham whom God has blessed and given a blessing to share with you (Gen.12:2). You will meet your Abraham and get your blessing from him.

*There's a Joseph whose divine assignment is to save lives and preserve a posterity (Gen.45:7; 47:25).

*There's a Moses with sufficient strength to rescue vulnerable women from bullies and intimidators (Ex.2:17). He will help you against oppression and injustice.

*There's an Ahitophel whose wise counsel will serve as God's oracle in your life (2Sam.16:23).

*There's a Solomon who is willing to share his wisdom with you. Ask the Queen of Sheba and she would testify of it (1Kgs.10:1,4,10,13; 2Chron.9:1).

*There's a woman of Zerephath who has received a word from God to take care of you for a period of time, and because of you, she will not run out of resources with which to help you (1Kgs.17:9).

*There's a Peter who is willing and ready to give you what God has given him for you. He says, "What I have, I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk" (Act.3:6). What God has given him is truly what you need.

*There's a Paul who has divine grace to share with you (Phil.1:7).

*There's a Philemon whom God has given the wherewithal to refresh the bowels of the saints, and that includes you (Philm.1:7,20).

*There's a believer in Christ who will agree with you in prayer as touching anything, and you can be sure of a divine answer (Mt.18:19).

*There's someone God has sent to bless you (Act.3:26).

God has people everywhere for you. Avoid pride; be humble enough to ask for help. Establish good relationship with people, and they will be there for you in times of need.

Help is coming for you from the Lord. The Scripture says that Uzziah "was marvellously helped, till he was strong" (2Chron.26:15).

It's interesting to know that you have no problems that cannot be solved. They are either solvable by you and others or by your God. This piece of information is indeed sweetening to the soul.

by Bishop Moses E. Peter