Problems & Issues
Problems & Issues - Lesson 1
I receive many complaints that when things go wrong, I am
asked why did God allow it? Why didn’t God stop it? Why is my answer
taking so long? Why would He give me such a desire for marriage and
keep it away from me? If you have ever asked these questions, there
is a reason. And the reason is, even with things pertaining to the
kingdom of God, problems and issues can arise.
The idealistic view
that if God is in something there will not be any problems is
unrealistic. If you’ve been a Believer for any length of time,
you know problems can arise. Jesus even warned us about it in
John 16:33. When we accepted Jesus
as Lord, we also inherited His enemy. Add to the fact that we also
live in a sin-ridden world whose effects can stop the perfect Will
of God from coming to pass.
And because we live in an earth cursed system where sin is rampant,
we have to contend with contrary forces such as the enemy hindering
our prayers, manipulating circumstances; sowing negative images
in our heart along with ungodly systems of the World.
Therefore walking with
God is like going upstream in a world that is going downstream.
Even
for believers who are doing their best to live for God, the spirit
of the World can enter in and cloud their vessel making it difficult
to bring to pass the Will of God for their lives.
In addition to this, another reason for a lack of fulfillment or answer to prayer has to do with the heart.
Jesus elaborated on this in Mark 4.
In Mark 4: 13-20, Jesus taught about the heart and how it produces
differently based on its condition.
The Word, as the seed, being the
same was sown in four types of ground (i.e. hearts) but produced
different results. In Mar 4:19 it states,
‘but the cares of this
world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things
entering in, choke the word, and it became unfruitful’.
The cares of the world mentioned in these verses could have very well
been cares pertaining to careers, finances, school, work, etc. But
whatever they were, it occupied space in the heart and posed a problem
for the Word and reduced its production.
So if you ever find yourself struggling to receive an answer, examine
the condition of your heart.
Next, examine if you are harboring any doubt or unbelief. Jesus, who had
the HolySpirit without measure could only heal a few sick people because
of their unbelief.
Mar 6:5-6 And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his
hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them. And he marveled because of
their unbelief.
Unbelief in the heart will stop faith from working. The disciples learned this (in Matthew 17:19) when they were unable to cast out a demon. When they asked Jesus why they could not cast it out, He answered and said it was because of their unbelief.
And what was Jesus’ solution
to this problem? Jesus’ solution for unbelief is found in Matthew
17:21-- prayer and fasting.
So if you are having problems receiving the blessings of God, check to
see if you are in doubt and unbelief. If you are, follow the instructions
of Jesus and get into prayer and fasting to remove it. Because once you
have dealt with the things that are preventing the Word from producing
in your life, you shouldn’t have any problems receiving what you need
from God. In fact, if you deal with the things that stand in the
way of seeing your answer to prayer manifest, then what you are praying for
should manifest.
In conclusion, there are many things that can cause an answer to be
delayed so don’t make assumptions. Get with God and let Him tell you
exactly what the problem is so God can tell you exactly what you must do
to resolve it. †
