What’s Your Problem?

Depending on how you receive information, this question either intrigued you to think about what's going on in your current situation, OR it made it sound like I'm trying to start a fight. It's so interesting to me how the brain is wired to process information based on previous experiences, and patterns of thought. To some, this question may have a genuine tone as it comes out, while others may hear it as condescending, or angry. An important part of interacting with others is understanding our personal bend, and how WE process information when it first comes across our senses.

My point in bringing this up is two-fold:

1. I want us to see what our natural "bend" is. Do I perceive people's words as harmless or harmful when they speak?

2. I want to thank God for Nehemiah's response to this same question, because I think it gives us insight into how a fruitful relationship with God looks.

Let's look at Nehemiah's story in Fast Forward ⏩:

• In the fall, Nehemiah learns that his home land is in shambles.

• Nehemiah spent 4 months praying, crying, and fasting about the condition of his nation's capital.

• One day, the King of Babylon sees him sad (which is punishable by death), and asks him "What's your Problem?"

• Nehemiah stops and prays before answering.

• He communicates the problem AND a potential solution. He asks the King for his blessing to go handle it, and for resources to get the job done.

• The King SAYS, "YES!" And the rest is history. It takes Nehemiah 52-working days to rebuilt the city walls of Jerusalem.

I love that when Nehemiah was asked this question, he had already been prayerfully sorting out his emotions to understand what his problem was, and identifying some potential solutions. He spent 4 months doing this and we have no record of him talking to anyone, but God, about the situation during that time. When an opportunity to do something about it arose, he knew exactly what he wanted and how to express it. I wonder if prayer and fasting played a part? Haha

Here are some questions to consider today:

1. What is the problem that is burning in my heart?

2. What action is it inspiring me to take?

3. Have I sincerely prayed about it? Fasted about it?

4. Have I asked for help from people who have the ability to assist me in solving this problem?

I'd like to pray for you:

"Lord, thank you for your involvement in our everyday lives. I know that you have had plans for a hope and a future for us since before we were born. Lord, open our eyes to the opportunities in front of us to live out those plans you have for us. Teach us to number our days, so that we may act with wisdom. We trust that you will lead and guide us, and we submit to your leading. Thank you for all you do for us Lord. We love you, and we trust you. We pray these things, in Your Son Jesus' name. Amen."