How many times have you kept what is bothering you inside without looking for a solution? It doesn’t feel good. It can cripple you. If you don’t have a solution, perhaps someone else will. A similar situation is happening today in our reading. We see some complaining going on about unfairness. While it starts as complaining, it ends with a solution that works for everybody. Not every problem has an obvious solution. That’s why it’s so important to involve other trusted individuals, and certainly God, to figure it out.
Again, we see a helpful example here for what we can do when faced with difficulty or frustration. Certainly, keeping it inside will not benefit anyone, especially you. Maybe we worry that a solution won’t be found, or we’re too embarrassed to even ask for help. Our lack of trust can often keep us imprisoned in our own difficulties. So how do we break free of our chains?
Prayer is a great way to start the process. We can pray for wisdom, we can pray for God to place someone in our life to help us. Then, we need to trust and be open. We see the example here started with sharing (or complaining) about a problem. When the Twelve got wind of it, they figured out a solution.
Did you notice the main goal was to keep the ministry going? To me, that says that no matter what we are facing we must keep our eyes on Jesus and keep growing that relationship.
Did you also notice a cool by-product of the solution? A large number of priests became obedient to the faith. We have been hearing how the priests and religious leaders have been the opposition to spreading the news about Jesus. They have not been obedient to God but to their own man-made laws (mistakenly thought to be righteous). That is very good news, isn’t it? I love it when God uses difficult situations for good.
Are you holding on to something today that is holding you back from a relationship with God? Is there something in your life that is nagging at you? Take a moment to reflect on that, then re-read the passage and ask God to reveal to you a solution.
Let’s pray. Father God, there are times when I have struggled and questioned if you were listening. I know without a doubt you were there in all my times of weakness. I am dealing with some stuff right now that breaks my heart, and I’m sure it breaks yours, too, God. Let’s work on a solution together that will benefit the kingdom and bring restoration. Give me your wisdom. Help me to share your truth in love. Fill my mouth with the right words at the right time. You are a mighty God who hears our cries. Use me today, God. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
