Problems only God can Fix

Some problems only God can fix.

You know the kind of problem I’m talking about. It’s a problem you’ve dealt with for years without a solution. It’s a problem you’ve tried fixing on your own to no avail.

It’s a problem that’s frustrating. It’s discouraging. It’s overwhelming.

If only you knew how to fix it.

In I Samuel 1 we meet a woman named Hannah who had a problem she couldn’t fix. Hannah was infertile. Wanting kids and not being able to have them is hard no matter the reason behind it.

What do you do when you’re facing a problem you can’t fix? In first Samuel 1 Hannah took 5 steps that led to peace and an answer. If you’re facing a problem you can’t fix, you may want to consider these 5 steps too.

1. Don’t be too quick to provide a solution. Everyone knew what Hannah’s problem was. Her husband Elkanah certainly knew it.  And like any man who loves his wife, he wanted to fix it. He told Hannah to get over it, to appreciate what she had (hint: him), and to move on. That may work on paper, but it’s the worst advice anyone can give someone who is hurting. I’m a fix it kind of person and I’m learning that some problems have no quick solution. Don’t force an answer when the time hasn’t come yet.

2. Take it to God. If Hannah did one thing right, she did this right. In the midst of her grief and pain she went to God’s house and spoke to the only one who could fix her problem. And she prayed. I mean, Hannah poured her heart out to God and laid it out for Him to hear.  Do you worry about offending God with your bitterness and despair? Do you fear pushing God to the point of not hearing you anymore? You couldn’t be more wrong. The priest thought Hannah was drunk but God recognized a painful heart and every movement of her lips. If you’re hurting, pray. If you’re tired, pray. If you’re unsure, pray. Pour your heart out to God and pray.

3. Don’t give up. Hannah’s problem went on year after year after year. It would have made perfect sense to give up. Who would blame her? How often have you convinced yourself that God’s silence is his sure refusal? Hannah prayed without giving up until God answered and gave her peace. Are you willing to go on in prayer? Don’t give up to hopelessness. God is a loving Father waiting to hear about it. Tell him.

4. Leave it with God. One of the biggest lessons from Hannah was her ability to leave her burden at the feet of the Lord. In vs. 18 it says that Hannah ”went her way and ate, and her face was no longer sad”. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve prayed only to pick that burden right back up and take it with me throughout the day. It’s like staying awake during surgery and telling the surgeon what to do next. He doesn’t need your help. Sit back, relax, and let God do His thing.

5. It’s ok to be misunderstood. Hannah was misunderstood by many. Her rival didn’t get it and scorned her. Her husband didn’t get it and tried to fix it. The priest didn’t get it and chided her. But that didn’t change the fact that God saw, God knew, and God heard. When you turn to God to fix your problems you will be misunderstood by many. But only one opinion matters. It’s the opinion of the only one who can provide the answer you need!

Got a problem you can’t fix? Take it to the one who can. You may just get a Samuel in return!

Related posts: