Sometimes the problem isn’t the problem. I’ve been struggling with tightness above the front of my knees. I tried elevating my legs, Bengay, heat, ice, rest, and so on. Most things only gave me temporary relief. Then I read an article that quadriceps stretches are a great way to reduce knee pain. So, I decided to give it a try. Not only is this working wonders and improving my squat depth, but it also opened my eyes. I have to stop thinking that the problem is the problem. The issue isn’t with my knees; it is with my quads.
Ephesians 6:12 in the Passion Translation says;
Your hand-to-hand combat is not with human beings, but with the highest principalities and authorities operating in rebellion under the heavenly realms. For they are a powerful class of demon-gods and evil spirits that hold this dark world in bondage.
Defining the Problem
I can see now that even in my daily life, the problem isn’t always the problem. It’s tempting to blame others or see them as obstacles, but in reality, I’m learning the enemy loves to start stuff. He uses an extra-large spoon to stir things up and keep us frustrated with one distraction after another. It’s time to stop thinking that the problem is the problem and start praying strategically.
In Priscilla Shirer’s book Fervent, she says;
Prayer is what greases the friction between us, lubricating around the grit and flecks of irritability that work themselves into the system, preventing the normal wear and tear of life from causing us to grate against or rub on one another.
Just as the quad stretches eased the movement of my knees, I learned that prayer is the oil that smooths the pathway to peace. The path begins, ends, and is covered by Christ. He, Himself, is our Peace. (Eph 2:14) When relationships get rocky, pray. When tempers flare, and darkness imprisons our peace, prayer is the candle shedding light on the true enemy. The problem we see, hear, and feel is not the problem. The problem is an evil principality in the heavenly realms that undermines friendships, families, businesses, communities, and nations. Let us take our eyes off one another and fix them on Christ. He alone will be the Peace, the grease we need to resolve the frictions we face.
Let’s Reflect
What problem have you focused on that isn’t the real problem? Write it down, and ask God for a passage of scripture to shed light on how to pray in that situation.
Let’s Pray:
Father God, thank You for being our Peace. Thank You for being the Light in the darkness. May we take our eyes off the problem we see and place them on You. You alone see the real issue. Only You can guide us as we pray for resolution. We fight this spiritual battle with spiritual weapons from Your Word. We trust in Your weapons and pray for Your peace. In Jesus’ mighty name. Amen.
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