May 31, 2020
When There Is A Problem | Rev Dr Taiye Adeola
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TEXT: 1 Samuel: 30:1-20
“WHEN THERE IS A PROBLEM”. It is a message from the experience of David and his men as recorded in 1 Samuel.30. This is coming out of the reality of the challenges that the world is facing which has brought people under pressure. I remember a church member saying he will commit suicide only because he is passing through some problems.
This message is to encourage, instruct and as well to warn God’s people on our disposition to handle problems or challenges that come our way.
No one prays for problems, but problems do happen. Problems are handled in various ways by various people. Problems vary and have different phases, levels and impacts on people. Usually, when there is a problem what people look for is a solution/how to get out of the problem. The solution is sought and how it is sought will either compound the problem or resolve it. Today, from Biblical examples we will consider some things to do or not do when there is a problem.
Problems can come as a result of some things, for example, :
- Where you find your self – Lot’s life was affected because he found himself in Sodom (Gen.18:17ff; 19.)The evil of Sodom where Lot pitched his tent eventually had its negative impact on Lot. The Nigerian situation today has brought problems to so many. We talk about people living in the north that Boko Haram has brought calamity to; the economic climate resulting in financial problems, joblessness and so on. The family from which or into which you marry; the man or woman you are married to and so on.
Where you find yourself may or may not be your own making. It was Lot who chose to live in Sodom. The man or woman you marry is your choice. But you do not choose the family, town or country into which you were born. You just find that you were born there. The truth is that some people are born into a problem.
- Problem can come as an attack from the enemy – Satan or his agents
- Problem can be self-induced as a result of carelessness or sin, laziness, bad habits and so on
- Sudden/unplanned, accidents, misfortunes etc can put some in problems
Problems can be physical, Spiritual, manifesting in different dimensions in our Marriage, Finance, Academics, Spiritual life, etc.
What is a problem?
I define Problems as difficulties, trouble, crisis, dilemma or predicaments that we usually do not bargain for, but come our way and affects, hinders, restricts, limits or halts our normal flow of life’s comfort, progress, happiness, togetherness etc. such things become a source of concern or pain bringing setback, discomfort, obstruction, snag or obstacle and we desire to resolve or remove them by every possible means.
What are we to do when there is a problem?
- EXAMINE YOURSELF – Jonah.1:1-17
Ask yourself questions before you begin to blame others for your problem.
What is the cause?
Is there a sin?
Is God checking me?
Is God trying to get my attention?
Is it a self induced problem?
Have I been careless?
What should I have done that I have not done?
What shouldn’t I have done that I have done? Etc
From Jonah.1:1-17 we see a man who brought the problem upon himself and others as a result of disobedience. When the trouble started, they did all they thought could be done using their experience and expertise but there was no solution. Then they examined themselves to try to find out why the problem persisted even after all they have done including everybody praying to their gods. Eventually, they identified the source or reason for their problem – Jonah. He himself admitted that he was the cause of the trouble. Problems will persist if the source is not identified and dealt with.
Examining yourself will require sincerity and objectivity; it will demand not justifying yourself and giving yourself a clean bill without examination; it requires sensitivity to the voice of the Holy Spirit if you have a relationship with him; it demands critical assessment of the situation in relation to the realities of your actions or inactions before, during and after you have sensed the problem.
- PRAY TO GOD
David – 1 Samuel.30:7-8
Early Church for Peter – Acts.12:1-5
Hannah for a Son – 1 Samuel.1:9-17
- ENCOURAGE YOURSELF IN THE LORD – 1 Samuel.30:1-20
The problem you have and its implications can discourage you
People around you can be the discouragement
The task ahead of you in solving the problem can discourage you
- HAVE FAITH IN GOD AND STEP OUT IN FAITH
David – 1 Samuel.30:
Woman with the Issue of Blood – Matt.9:20 ff
- TAKE GODLY COUNSEL – 1 Samuel.30: 7-8
Don’t just keep quiet, take counsel from Godly and experienced people
When you are confused, admit it and ask for direction – vv.11-15
- DON’T BE HASTY – 1 Samuel.30:7-8
Take your time so you do not take the wrong step. Do not let the problem push you to run faster than your feet.
- CRY OUT FOR HELP
First to God and to men that can be of help –Mark.10:46-52 (Blind Bartimaeus)
Many keep their problems to themselves and suffer in silence when help is so close to them.
- CONTINUE TO OBEY THE WORD OF GOD/HIS SERVANTS – 1 Kings.17:7-16 (Widow of Zarephath)
Having problems is not a license for disobedience. Some because of problems stop obeying God’s command for faithfulness in marriage. Because your wife has not given birth you have become unfaithful, some stop paying tithes, some even stop their services to God.
Elijah obeyed God to go to Zarephath
Widow of Zarephath obeyed Elijah and she was blessed
- CONSIDER THE FUTURE – Genesis.25:29 -34; Hebrews.12:16-17 (Esau)
Don’t just be overtaken by the pains of the moment, consider the future, don’t let the present problem make you lose your future glory
Problems in Homes
Problems at Work
Challenge as a young man or lady about choice
Do not mortgage your future on the altar of trying to solve your present problem. Always
Remember that your problem is a passing phase; it will not be there permanently.
- DO NOT SIN – Numbers.20:1-12; Numbers.21:4-6
Be careful what you say when there is a problem; mind what you do so that you do not sin against God. Every little problem of discomfort makes some people to say things against God or do things that make God angry with them. Some go out to herbalists, some join cults etc.
- DON’T BE DISTRACTED/SOLVE THE PROBLEM – 1 Samuel.30:6
The devil tries to make problems distract and derail God’s children from their purpose. Oppositions raised by the enemy is to make you give up that glorious idea that will launch you into a glorious destiny. Set your heart to solving the problems and not be distracted by other things.
- MAKE POSITIVE CONFESSIONS -2 kings.4:26 (8-26)
The Shunammite woman
SEE AND RECEIVE THE SOLUTION BY FAITH – Hebrews.11:1
The act of the Shunammite woman laying the child on the bed of the man of God and running to him is an act of faith. You must look beyond the problem, see God ahead of you giving you the solution to the problem. There is no problem that God cannot solve.Ephesians.3:20 says “he can do exceedingly, abundantly above all that we ask or think according to the power that worketh in us”. Things that are impossible with men are certainly possible with God. Luke.18:27““
This is very apt and more than enough admonition for the moment or times like this.
Thanks so much pastor for the words of God through you, may you be greatly replenish in Jesus name
I enjoyed the sermon when I . listened to the words from the Pastor than the write _up
The statements were clear and understandable than reading the write_up.
Thank you very much. May God Continue to strengthen you and enlarge your coast IJMN
Well done sir. May the Lord continue to strengthen you sir. Your ministry, family, and job will continue to blossom sir. George