There is a New Covenant solution to every problem in life…
Even though there is a clear, effective New Covenant way of dealing with problems in life, Many, if not most Christians have a very ineffective way of dealing with the problems that they face in life. Many spend their time talking about the problem, wracking their brains trying to problem solve or blaming others for the problem. Some seek counsel, some confront, while others just remain passive and hope that their problems will go away with time.
I read an article about seven-steps for an effective problem-solving process.
Identify the issues - Understand everyone's interests - List the possible solutions options - Evaluate the options - Select an option or options - Document the agreement(s) and agree on contingencies, monitoring, and evaluation.
While the article makes logical sense and gives a practical guide to solving problems, following the seven steps will not solve most problems. Most problems are spiritual at the root and need to be dealt with as such if a true resolution is desired.
The New Covenant way of dealing with problems…
James 5:13 says that if anyone among you is afflicted (ill-treated, suffering evil)? He should pray… (James 5:13 AMPC)
The Holy Spirit tells us in this scripture that the way that we should deal with problems, afflictions, hardships and challenges in through prayer! We have to deal with things that have a spiritual root in the realm of the spirit and by the power of the Holy Spirit. Effective, fervent prayer is the New Covenant way… the question is, “How do we pray effectively and in such a way that our problems can be resolved?”
Here are some New Covenant nuggets when it comes to effective prayer…
While taking a loving stance of faith, begin by praying in the Spirit over the situation. Ephesians 6:18 says, ‘Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.’ When you pray in the spirit with your heavenly language, you are praying the perfect will of God on the highest level of faith. When you pray in the spirit, the Holy Spirit prays through your spirit. Spirit prayers target the problem at it’s root and deal with it with Spirit power.
The second thing that I would recommend is to cast your cares upon the Lord in prayer and give what you are dealing with to the Lord. The bible says in 1 Peter 5:7 (AMP), ‘Casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully.]’ You are not meant to solve every situation in life that you may face. When you give something to the Lord in prayer, He will fight for you, He will intercede on your behalf and He will work all things together for your good to those who are called according to His purpose.
Thirdly, release the anointing onto your situation in prayer. The anointing brings life to the things that are of God and the anointing destroys the things of the devil. A simple prayer, “Lord, I release your anointing onto this situation, I release your anointing over my mind, I release your anointing over this person who is out to harm me, I release your anointing over my household, my relationships, my finances and my ministry, in Jesus Name!
A very effective way of praying is to pray the way that the Lord instructed Ezekiel to pray. Ezekiel 37:4 says, ‘He said to me, “Prophesy to these bones, and say to them, ‘O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord!” Listen for the voice of God, then prophesy and then command the word of the Lord to come to pass. Speak TO the mountain… “Mountain, hear the Word of the Lord!” The Lord wants us to use authority, to command and to call those things that are not as though they were.
As you pray, ask the Lord for wisdom. James 1:5 says, ‘If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and He will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.’ Wisdom from God will give you a roadmap to success. Wisdom not only knows what to do, it knows how, when and where to do it.
Lastly, pray the prayer of petition. Submit your will to the leading of the Spirit and then ask what you desire with thanksgiving. The bible says in Matthew 7:7-8, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.” Ask the Lord to help you, ask the Lord for what you desire, if your request is in line with His will, He will give what you ask for, if not, He won’t, but don’t let that stop you from asking. We serve a merciful, gracious, loving God, and He is willing and able to help us with every problem in life. His way deals with the root and the fruit. His way is the permanent solution to every problem you will ever face in life!
