To say problems are solutions in disguise doesn’t explain where problems might originate. The root-level of problems, I’ve found in thirty-plus years of counseling, comes from one of two areas or a combination of these areas: unresolved anger and/or unresolved resentments.
There are four sources from which problems stem creating these unresolved issues. We’ll start with the area having the least affect upon us to the one having the most affect upon us.
“God, why did you let this happen to me?”
Atheists have even been heard to blurt this lament abruptly in the face of adversity. Sadly, Christians make this same accusation. Would it surprise you to learn God is the least source of one’s problems – if He is a source at all?
I have found only one place in Scripture depicting God inflicting a malady on a person for His own purpose “…that God should be made manifest in him.”
We read this in John 9:1-3: And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth. And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man or his parents, that he was born blind? Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest (Greek: phaneroo: to render apparent [literally or figuratively] show [self]) in him.”
The Rule of Proportion: How many times do we read in Scripture of this happening? Answer: Once that I am aware of. How many times do we read of God chastising the disobedient? Plenty.
Unless you have heard me teach this particular passage or principle, you have perhaps never heard of this rule. I can’t say it is my discovery; but I have never heard it taught either. It is simple to explain and should be easy to accept.
(To the reader: If you know of another example in Scripture, please let me know that I might alter this teaching if that needs to be done.)
Otherwise, I repeat God is the least source of our problems if a contributor at all. Next time we’ll look at the second least source of problems.
If I’ve raised questions through this teaching, please let me hear form you. My answers will come to you privately. If several ask the same or similar questions I’ll compile the answers into another lesson.
Hint: Are you old enough to remember the famous punch line by the comedian, Flip Wilson?
Look for the answer in your in-box September 15th.
