When we face problems, we tend to think that there is only one or at the most two solutions. For example, if we are asked to do a task at work that goes against what we believe, we often think that the solution is to quit or to do what we are asked to do when in fact, there is a better solution, and that is God’s solution to the problem.

Consider Joseph. When he learned that Mary was pregnant and knew for a fact that he was not her baby’s father he probably thought that the only solution to the problem was to privately break off the engagement; however, God gave Joseph a better solution, one that he probably would have never considered in a million years. God told Joseph to marry Mary. This must have come as a shock to Joseph, for he was trying to put as much distance between himself and Mary. The lesson here is that distancing ourselves from our problems may not necessarily be the right solution, hence the need for a better solution. Notwithstanding, Joseph obeyed God and married Mary. Today, we know Joseph as Jesus’ earthly father. What an honor! (Matthew 1:18-24)

If you are presently facing a problem and you think that there is only one or at the most two solutions to it, think again. There is a better solution, and that is God’s solution to the problem. But to get God’s solution, you must bring your problem to Him in prayer, and by this, I do not mean that you should go down on your knees and go into deep, intense prayer for hours. Trust me, that’s not necessary. I simply mean for you to talk to God about the problem, ask Him what to do or how to respond then listen for His answer. For me, listening usually involves paying attention to my thoughts, and recognizing when, for example, the right words that I need to respond to someone suddenly becomes clear.

During the past year, I have had to turn to God for many solutions, for there were times when I did not know how to deal with a problem. And if truth be told, if I had dealt with the problem my way, I am certain that my solution would have escalated the situation and the results would have been disastrous. However, because I sought God for a better solution and applied it to the problem, the results were more than I could have hoped for.