Victories In Disguise

Problems are an excellent avenue or device to develop one's self further, change the negative situation for the better of all involved and take advantage of God's perspective.

In the heat of the moment, the middle of a problem is not usually the point where we remember and act on this idea. Fear not, there will be plenty of problems for training purposes. Life has a plethora of challenging opportunities for us to slow down, take a deep breath and reflect before moving forward or even speaking.

I don't mean to communicate we should invite more problems into our lives in order to grow as an individual. What I am saying is to simply be ready for when the especially frustrating complications of life come. We need to be alert, respond correctly and when we don't, then hopefully we will learn from our mistakes. Practice becomes permanent.

Have you ever been glad that your parents, an older brother or sister, or mentor experienced an obstacle you are experiencing so that you may draw from their advice? One great mindset to approach every problem in life is - someone has gone through my situation and beaten it. The person is Christ Jesus and John records Him telling the disciples and all believers throughout the ages - 

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)

Another encouraging verse like this one is from the writer of Hebrews - 

"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin." (Hebrews 4:15)

Every "weakness", every "temptation" has been conquered by Christ. The key is involving the Lord, preferably at the beginning, as you go into a situation. The ultimate de-stresser. This is a mindset to practice. This is a lifestyle to establish. Believers have the honor and privilege of addressing all problems as Victories In Disguise.