Overcoming problems in life

A woman  went to her doctor and asked him whether there’s a  problem-free place in this world.  She told him she was tired of having too many problems in life. The doctor told her that there is such a place. The following day, they went to the place. Upon seeing the place, without a second thought, the woman bluntly told the  doctor, “ I don’t want to be in this place! I’d rather be alive and have problems.” Do you know what  the place was? It was a cemetery.

Life is not problem- free.  Every one of us encounter crises and trials along the way, whether we like it or not. Our problems come in different shapes and degrees. It is our attitude and how we deal with these problems that truly matter.

I am reminded  of another story of a woman who went to her mother and told her about her life; how things were so hard for her. She was tired of fighting and struggling. When one problem was solved, a new one arose. The mother took her to the kitchen and filled three pots with water. In the first pot, she placed a carrot, in the second pot, she placed an egg, and in the third pot, she placed the grounded coffee bean. In about twenty minutes, she turned off the stove and fish out the carrot, egg,  and the grounded coffee bean. She placed each of them in separate bowl. Turning to her daughter she asked her to feel the carrot, egg and coffee bean one at a time. She asked her about the condition of the three. The daughter said, “ The carrot was hard and unrelenting after being subjected to the boiling water. The egg became hardened, and the coffee bean had a good aroma. The mother asked, “Which are you? When trials and adversity knock on your door how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg, or a coffee bean?”

Our reaction  in dealing with problems that may come into our way is a choice. For me, there’s nothing like trusting the Lord with all our hearts and ask for His help and mercy. However, aside from prayers there are other ways wherein our problems in life can be solved.

Writer Seun Emmanuel Alaofin cites the following tips:

Don’t see your problem as a stumbling block. The moment you begin to see your problems as a stumbling block, you stand to have more problems because worry sets in, fear sets in, and anxiety sets in. Then solving the problems would be difficult.

Remain positive. The greatest men are known to always remain calm when they face problems. Staying positive is one of the keys to solve your problems.  When you stay positive, you put yourself in the right direction to tackle your problem effectively.

Learn from the problem.  Every problems has its own lesson to be learned. Allow this lesson to motivate you in dealing with the problem. After all, problems that do not kill you make you stronger.

Remain focused and determined. There is no battle that can be won in life without remaining focused and with strong determination. Determination is the key to great achievements.

Have someone you can speak with. It helps ease out the burden  if you can share with someone whom you can trust. Don’t bottle-up your problems.

Remember that God is able. God knows you better than you know yourself. Don’t hesitate to ask help from Him through prayers. He is a loving and caring  God. He is always  there to help you and He will see you through the difficulties.

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