The Perception of a Problem

2Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb 3and they asked each other, “Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?” 4But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. (Mark 16:2-4)

It is frightening how easily and subconsciously we place God in a box. Even when we are “doing His work” we often feel discouraged and even hopeless because the obstacles blocking the task seem insurmountable. Tremendous amounts of time are spent wondering and worrying about how the “problem” is going to be resolved. Plans are devised to “fix” things with human strength and knowledge. Frequently, though, time is simply thrown away fretting over those things that never come to pass. Occasionally, matters are made worse by our rushing to solve the problem in our own strength.

God is ahead of us. His plan is being worked out for tomorrow while we are still in today. What we perceive as a problem God may already have worked out. What freedom could be found in learning to trust God with the problems of our lives especially in relationship to doing His work? Hear the peace-speaker say to you, “Do not be alarmed. I have a plan that is at work here. Trust me. I will take care of the details. Just keep following me and doing what you know is right as you walk in relationship with me.” It sounds childish and naïve to embrace such a level of trust. Then again, Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven” (Matthew 18:3).

Blessings!
Pastor Gary