Problem solved?

Divorce.
Job loss.
Death of a child.
Incarceration.
Bankruptcy.
Flunking out of school.
End of a relationship.

These are all problems that people face. And in today's world, these are all problems that need to be solved - the sooner the better.

I don't think that's true. I also don't think that its healthy to face these or any problems we have with that mindset.

When you boil everything away and get to the core of a human being, there is only one problem that has to be solved. That problem is sin.

The problem of sin is solved when sin is forgiven. And sin is forgiven by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

In other words, the only problem we truly face is our sin and Jesus solves that probem for us.

So, what about the rest of these so-called problems?

They are part of the human experience and God allows them in our lives to shape us into the people He intends for us to be.

They are not problems to be solved, but experiences to be, well, experienced. Learn from them, go through them with eyes wide open. Soak in all that they bring. They may seem like they can destroy you, but they can't. Not really. Jesus is our protector, He is our shield.

I once read a prayer suggestion for a person who is going through what Thomas Moore calls a "dark time of the soul." It goes something like this:

God, help me to learn all that I'm supposed to learn during this time so I don't have to go through it again.


I'm still working through my thoughts here, but I wanted to get them down so I wouldn't forget them.

More to come.