What to do When There is No Solution (#127)

Bible version used: NKJV

In the days of Babylon’s splendor, a young man named Daniel found out that he was to be killed if he could not tell the king what the king had dreamed and what the dream meant. It was a bizarre demand by a king who thought he was a god.

Daniel, faced with certain execution, did two important things. He went to God in prayer, and he went to his friends. He didn’t panic. He didn’t rail about injustice. After he prayed, he went to bed as usual. The night before his execution, he slept! And it was during his sleep that God gave him a vision of what the king had dreamed and what it meant.

Sometimes God provides a temporal solution to our needs: a new job, successful surgery or chemotherapy treatments. In Daniel’s case God provided a vision of what the king had dreamed and what it meant.

What do you do when there is no solution? Do as Daniel did: pray, and gather your friends around you.

When your life circumstance is hopeless, know that there is someone who cares. His name is Jesus. And he has absolute control of what happens in our world.

When you finally realize there is nothing more you can do to solve the problem, it is time to surrender. Release your white-knuckle grip, open your hands, and put your brokenness in the hands of Jesus.

It took me a long time to surrender when I faced a hopeless situation. But when I did, it was a relief. It freed me to be me. I didn’t have to be the strong one who had the answers. When my friends saw my brokenness, they didn’t turn away. They were blessed by coming alongside of me. And their quiet presence was a source of great comfort to me.

Through my praying, my relationship with Christ grew. I had enjoyed his forgiveness and his acceptance for years. What I didn’t realize was how precious was his minute-by-minute companionship. It became more important to me than a solution to my problem. The Bible refers to it as peace that is beyond understanding. Philippians 4:7 says: . . . and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and
minds through Christ Jesus.

You do not have to understand Jesus’ peace to have it. Jesus comes willingly to any who seek him. Jesus says in Revelation 3:20: Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with me.

He has died the death to save you from your sins. He has risen and wants to reign in your life. The Bible calls it abundant life. Bring your brokenness to him. Today!

If you want to learn more about Jesus’ love for you and the peace he offers, visit a Bible-teaching church in your neighborhood.

Ed Dobson