No amount of planning, or even praying, can keep things running perfectly in your life. How can you deal with those inevitable problems? Take the advice found in this simple acrostic:
Positive attitudes are basic in solving any problem.
Nix the negative thoughts; visualize a solution to your troubles. Make it happen!
Release the power within you.
Refuse to let your problems confuse or depress you. Remember that God is all-powerful and that you are his child. Repeat his promise: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my strength is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9).
Open your mind to opportunity.
Often a problem contains the seeds of growth, of a great leap forward. Look for the “up side” of adversity.
Believe.
Repeat to yourself (and trust!) these great promises of the Bible:
– “As I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and of good courage…” (Joshua 1:5-6).
– “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you” (Isaiah 43:2).
– “The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble” (Psalm 9:9).
– “The fear of the LORD leads to life, and he who has it will abide in satisfaction” (Proverbs 19:23).
Let go and let God work.
When we learn to release our problems into the hands of God, he brings about surprising solutions. He promises: “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know” (Jeremiah 33:3).
Expect great things.
When we trust God completely, our faith becomes an open channel for his power. Pray with the clear expectation that God will provide the best possible solution to your problem.
Make the most of your situation.
Analyze your difficulty as unemotionally as possible and look for the best way to handle it. Then move ahead. Sometimes you must step forward in faith before the solution to your problem arrives.
Summon the strength to succeed.
Success is primarily a spiritual process, the process of developing a mature personality through which you can accomplish your highest objective with the help of God.
