Rise Above the Problem...Philippians 4:6-7
By Timothy W. Burnett
Before we continue with the subject of spiritual matters in 1Corinthians 12-14, let's shine the light of God's word on an area of life that we have all dealt with at some time. This is how it generally goes, we work hard to prepare for a task set before us. Because of all the practice and experience, we become more successful over time. We get to the point where every move and play is second-hand. Alas, we have the great opportunity to prove ourselves in competition with the rest of the best in our field. The competition is fierce, but as a team we press forward with good success. We've already proven ourselves to be the better of the two. Then suddenly a mysterious thing happens. We start to fall apart. Frustration sets in as our efforts begin to spiral downward. One mistake...then another. The harder we try, the more things seem to crumble around us. We all know the frustration and heartfelt tears that arise from these kind of results. Especially when we just know we can do better. God gave us some applicable tools from His word which can help us to not only get the healing we need after such an experience, but also to show us how to stop that downward spiral and press on with the best possible performance.

We begin with God's will concerning life's endeavors, "Beloved I wish above all things that you might prosper and be in health even as your soul prospers" (3John2). The word "prosper" is better translated "to succeed." To be "in health" is to be in good health. God knows that we can succeed, or else He would not have given His promise for us to succeed.

There are so many unclear variables involved with that downward spiral, that we sometimes make things worse by trying to pinpoint the problems. God simplified things by cutting right to the core and providing the simplest and most powerful solution. One scripture that comes to mind is in Philippians 4:6-7, "Be careful [anxious] for nothing. But in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God which surpasses all knowledge absolutely shall guard your hearts and thoughts through Christ Jesus."

Although there are many other areas of scripture that shine wonderful light on this subject, the above verses get right to the point. Be anxious for nothing. What happens when we suddenly start to crumble? Anxiety and confusion sets in. We start trying harder to do what we already know how to do easily. Then fingers start pointing to various problems with an honest desire to solve them. Our members stop working in harmony and find ourselves unable to pull out. Now we know the underlying problem is anxiety. What is the best solution? Simply put...go to God and get peaceful in our minds and hearts. This author can not count the number of unsuccessful endeavors that could have been changed if only he would have gone to God in prayer before things got out of control.

When we as individuals or teams find ourselves in that unexplainable situation where things start to fall apart around us, we can immediately stop for a moment, get quiet in our minds and go to God in prayer with thankful hearts. We let our requests be made known to God. There may be various ways to express it, but our request is simply to succeed. What is the result of going to God? The peace that is from God, which surpasses all knowledge, absolutely shall keep and guard our hearts and minds through our Lord Jesus Christ.

It is amazing the kind of dynamic results that come from taking that brief time-out in order to replace the anxiety with peace of mind. Instead of anxiously struggling against the problem, we can rise above the problem with that fantastically unexplainable peace of mind that is from God. In closing, it is written, "...whatsoever things you desire, when you pray, believe to receive them. And you shall have them" (Mark 11:24).
On God's Word
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