“Unresolved issues of today become our greatest problems tomorrow”
The approach to solving complex issues in life, vocation and calling is to be genuine and straight forward.
If you want to succeed in your calling or service “ be honest about problems, and the solution will be easier to discover”. Provs 28:23 says. “He who rebukes a man will in the end gain more favour than he who has a flattering tongue.”
The problems facing many ministries and nations today is the unresolved complex issues abandoned by her leaders yesterday. Wise leaders will solve problems in a way that produces the best results. In every area of life they will build their lives on the words of Jesus, living out his example of servant-leadership. (Matthew 7: 24-27)
In Matthew 15:29-39 during the feeding of the four thousand, Jesus solved the problem that could have risen from the crowd by involving his disciples. He organized the environment by placing the crowd in fifties and hundreds under the leadership of his disciples.
In asking for their assistance, Jesus expanded the disciples confidence. They not only worked through the problem with their leader, but they also got their own hands dirty in the process.
When problems are not timely and decisively resolved they will hinder the stability and solidification of a nations economy or an organization for instance in 1 Kings 2:13-16 David instructed Solomon to eliminate all those who had opposed him during his ministry quickly as soon as Solomon takes over otherwise he will inherit the same problems when he comes to power. (see v. 46)
A PROBLEM SOLVING MODEL
In Nehemiah 1: 2-3, his first step towards solving problems that arose during his leadership tenure was in understanding the problem.
Step1:- He obtained a report. Obtaining reliable information was crucial to devising an effective plan. Though Nehemiah did not just listen to the report, he questioned the messenger.
Step 2:- He identified with those who were suffering (v 4) His heart ached for the Jewish people and for God’s reputation. His plan flowed from a compassionate heart.
Step 3: He petitioned the God of heaven by
Prayer and
Study of God’s word. For wisdom and courage that results from radical dependence upon God
Note:
Nehemiah believed in the power, and perseverance in spirit. With constant prayer (watching, listening, meditation and talking), common sense (wisdom), rousing speeches and brilliant planning. He motivated the Israelites to rise above their adversities and move on. (v 4-10).
Step 4: He waited for the best opportunities (Eccl. 3: 1-11) or time. (Neh. 2: 1-10), though the timing was opportuned, Nehemiah bathed his effort in prayed.
Step 5: He investigated the situation (v 11-16) upon his arrival in Jerusalem. He did not blast a trumpet and rally the troops around an imposing strategy. Instead he spent three days considering what to do on the broken walls (problems).
Step 6: He finally assembled all the players according to their strengths, (v 17-20)
Notice: As soon as he formulated the plans, he recognized the problems and its solutions were a communal concern v 8.
