Does Every Problem Have A Solution?

We often find ourselves entangled in problems of our own making and wonder how to escape them. Many, unable to face these challenges, tragically end their lives, believing that death is the ultimate end. They fail to realize that there is a life awaiting us once we close our eyes in this world. Hence, our approach to life should encompass a complete understanding of life after death and not be limited to our existence in this world.

What makes us believe there is no escape from the troubles of our lives? If we look back and count every past problem we’ve faced, we should realize that none of these problems had the power to destroy us forever. If they did, we wouldn’t have survived our previous challenges. So, why should we focus so intensely on today’s problems and entangle ourselves in them?

Problems Are Common

Everyone living on this earth faces problems of varying degrees. Often, the gravity of these problems is intensified by the individuals themselves rather than the problems’ actual severity. A primary factor that exacerbates these issues is the belief that one’s problems are uniquely severe and that no one else experiences such dire situations. While rare events do occur, they are not exclusive to a single person. If we open our eyes and look around, we will see that many others face similar challenges.

A cat closes its eyes and thinks the whole world is dark. Particularly when drinking milk, it closes its eyes, believing that no one can see it. This is because, by nature, a cat steals milk when no one is around, and this same attitude persists even when someone is willingly giving it milk. Similarly, we close our eyes when facing problems and fail to understand the ways of God, who allows us to encounter difficulties to teach us His ways.

We often attribute problems to the tricks of the devil, failing to recognize that these are life lessons from God. Instead of embracing these lessons, we cling to our limited goals and learn nothing. To free ourselves from this self-made web, Scripture reminds us that the problems of this world are common to all and that there is a way out of our difficult situations.

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. – 1 Corinthians 10:13

Reason For Submerging In Our Problems

When trapped in debris during a catastrophe, attempting to escape often causes more structures to collapse, trapping us further. Every movement exacerbates the situation, creating more chaos. Only when the fire brigade clears the debris from the outside can we be rescued. It is crucial that someone outside the debris helps us.

Every problem originates from our own actions, and without our involvement, no problem can overwhelm us. However, people often try to solve their problems by creating bigger ones, failing to understand this simple logic. Pride prevents individuals from revealing their true situations, leading them to even more complex issues. Since every problem is initiated by us, we should have the wisdom to stop our misguided actions and focus our energy on finding a solution.

Peter once faced such a problem when he attempted to walk on water like his master. His true intention was not to walk on water but to demonstrate his ability to others. The raging sea terrified him, causing him to sink. However, by God’s grace, he called out to Jesus for help, who transcends the laws of physics that govern buoyancy.

Similarly, when we strive to support ourselves and our families, we experience growth and strength, sustained and blessed by God. In contrast, efforts made solely to appear important will eventually lead to downfall. In our quest for societal recognition, we may not realize that we are falling into our own traps and accumulating debts. The author of the book of Hebrews urges people to focus on their lives, setting aside anything that hinders their connection with God, to accomplish His will.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.- Hebrews 12:1 (NIV)

The Race Marked For Us

Many misunderstand the purpose of their existence, thinking that achieving fame or success is the goal. Others believe raising children is their life’s purpose, or that being a good person and earning others’ goodwill is the key. In his epistle, Paul warns us not to conform to the ways of this world (Romans 12:2).

The true purpose of our lives is to preserve the salvation given to us through Jesus Christ, with the assurance of forgiveness, and to prepare ourselves for the eternal life promised to us. However, many get stuck in religious practices and falsely believe that rituals make them eligible for His Kingdom.

Jesus warned such people, clearly stating that He will say He does not know them (Matthew 7:23). It’s important to understand that religious rituals do not connect us with Jesus; they can provide a false sense of satisfaction. Doing the will of our Heavenly Father is entirely different from strictly following religious norms.

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. – Matthew 5:16 (NIV).

Many misunderstand the above verse and focus on charity as good deeds. However, Jesus meant living a life that embodies truth in a world that embraces falsehood. Good deeds reflect a life built on His Word, not on worldly concepts. When we walk in the light, those who are in darkness will see us and glorify our Father in Heaven. Eventually, they will also come to God.

A Case Study

Everything Belongs to God

God asked Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac, whom he dearly loved, having received him after a long period of waiting. People who have children after years of marriage often form a deep emotional bond with them. When God made this request, Abraham did not question why God would give him a son only to ask for him back. Typically, people question why they must give up something precious given to them by God, revealing a mindset that what God gives belongs exclusively to them. Abraham’s first realization was that Isaac belonged more to God than to him. This understanding brought him peace, knowing that God was asking for what was rightfully His.

Avoid Lamentation

Abraham did not turn the situation into an issue, nor did he lament or share his pain with others. Often, we make the mistake of sharing our pain with others who might take pleasure in our suffering. We create issues out of God’s desires for our lives. Our desires and God’s desires are often at opposite ends. We build stories around what we do not understand and twist what we do understand, using falsehood to cover our weaknesses.

Yet these people slander whatever they do not understand, and the very things they do understand by instinct—as irrational animals do—will destroy them – Jude 1:10 (NIV) .

Don’t Be Emotional

The climax of the story occurs when Isaac asks Abraham about the lamb to be sacrificed. An average father might have become very emotional at such a question from his son, perhaps embracing him, crying, and trying to explain and accept the harsh reality. Our emotions often become gateways to our agony, and the devil exploits this human weakness.

Award-winning films often tackle critical societal issues, with directors successfully stirring viewers’ emotions to win awards. These films provoke emotions but usually do not offer solutions to calm them. Whether the movie ends tragically or happily, it often leaves the audience emotionally stirred.

However, God does not provoke our emotions to achieve His will. He asks us to remain calm (Psalm 46:10), pronounces peace, and acts in our lives when we are calm. Abraham exemplified this calmness and did not succumb to emotions. He trusted God and responded to Isaac, “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” And the two of them continued together (Genesis 22:8). Abraham did not lie to his son; he understood that Isaac belonged to God and trusted that God would provide for the sacrifice.

Take Away

As Abraham committed Isaac to God, God did not want to kill Isaac but provided an alternative—a lamb for the burnt offering. In the same way, as we belong to God, He does not wish to destroy us but to save us. Come to the presence of God with calmness and do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21).

When we face problems, we often become highly emotional, leading to feelings of hatred and frustration. We might ask God, “How long do I have to live with this problem? Why are you not answering my prayer? Why is there so much delay in resolving it?” These questions often go unanswered because they are not genuine. As a result, we might assume our problems will overwhelm us.

Trusting God will prevent us from asking such meaningless questions. Trusting God will strengthen our faith, helping us to stop creating exaggerated stories about our minor issues. When our questions remain unanswered, Paul provides us with a lasting solution to our problems.

We fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. – 2 Corinthians 4:18 (NIV).

Every problem has a solution if we approach it step by step using the right methods. For the challenges in our lives, the solution is to trust in God, and the method is to remain calm. Staying calm doesn’t mean that God is on the side of our enemies; rather, it means that God is guiding us to a higher level.