The Problem Pandemic

We’ve got a major pandemic on our hands over here, guys. I think it’s more contagious than COVID. It’s “the problem” pandemic. My home was recently caught it, and it drove me bananas.

A VERY widely accepted sentence starter in Cape Town is, “The problem is…” You hear it everywhere you go. Lifa unknowingly started engaging conversations as a platform for his problems. “The problem is there’s not enough…” “The problem is that he always…” “The problem is we can’t….”

I DO NOT WANT TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR PROBLEMS ALL DAY.

Ok, look. There’s value in identifying what’s not working when you’re trying to make something better. But, if all your sentences start and stop with your problems, you’re only fanning your frustrated flame. Am I right!?! You know the problem. GREAT. But do you know the solution?

His name is Jesus.

That’s not a cheesy church answer. The problem pandemic has been going around for a long time. There’s evidence in history’s most proven text.

The Israelites said, “The problem is we’re trapped between an ocean and an army.” (Exodus 14 paraphrase)

The disciples said, “The problem is these people are hungry.” (Matthew 14 paraphrase)

Peter said, “The problem is I’m stuck in a giant storm.” (Matthew 14 paraphrase)

These are some real issues, but the troubles are not the actual problem. They will change over time, yet always remain. If our problems author our sentences, they eventually become our stories. This is the true pandemic that binds us to the problems of this world when Jesus says that, even now, it doesn’t have to be that way!

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33b NIV

God said to the Israelites, “Watch me work for you. I will use this impossible place to wipe out your problems and take you on a miracle walk.” Jesus told his disciples, “Give me what you DO have. I’ll give thanks, and the people will be so full they’ll have leftovers.” Jesus moved toward Peter and said, “Come. Look me in the eye. Your storm will seem smaller when you are walking on its waves.”

“The problem is…” is no longer allowed in my house. Lifa is learning to replace it with, “The truth is…” Sometimes he just stays quiet because he can’t think of how to reframe it. I’m fine with that. Often, he faces the challenge and speaks about what is true while his problem remains. “The truth is, we have a lot to be thankful for.” “The truth is that kid might have had a bad morning before he left for school.” “The truth is…” You get it. Talking about what’s true has a jarring way of refilling your lungs, clearing your head and ushering in inexplainable peace.

So, take heart, dear friend. And talk about what’s true.