MCGI Topic Review: How to Deal with Problems Calmly

https://youtu.be/WbfFcSQ6sWQ?si=hHYUtnzZEEtTtsOp There are no problem-free people in life. It is not about wealth or poverty, youth or age, but everybody is struggling at some time or the other. There are minor issues and there are those that can bring tears to people and make them even lose hope. However, it is not the magnitude of the problem that matters, but rather how we go about it. I listened to the MCGI subject matter, How to Deal with Problems Calmly, and I noticed that most of us make our problems more difficult due to panicking, complaining, or losing faith. This lesson made me realize that being composed when in the midst of troubles is an indicator of prudence and firm belief in God. The initial lesson I gained is that there are issues in life. It is written in the Bible in John 16: 33, In the world shalt thou have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have conquered the world. This verse teaches me that there is no one who is not exempt to problems. Even Jesus Himself was rejected, betrayed and suffering. That is why when I go through my troubles, I attempt to have in mind that no problems are a curse- they are human. The true peace is in the understanding that God is still in control in the face of all the things in the surrounding that may seem hard. The initial response to any issue is one of the most significant lessons I earned when in the MCGI teaching. Most of the times when something bad occurs people become angry or scared at once. Others scream, cry or even blame others. However, such reactions are only a source of further disorientation. In Proverbs 14:29, the bible says, he that is slow to anger, is of great wisdom: but he that is hasty of spirit, liftieth up folly. This implies that an intelligent individual does not hurriedly become angry or fearful. When we remain composed we are able to think better and we are able to hear the voice of God. The other thing that I learned is that prayer is the most effective way of remaining calm amidst hard times. When issues arise, it is the normal human reaction to be worried. But worry changes nothing. In Philippians 4: 6-7 we are told in the Bible that we should take care of nothing however, in all things praying and supplication with thanksgiving make your requests known to God. And peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall guard thy hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. This is a scripture that moved me. It demonstrates that it is through praying that one gets peace and not worrying. I recall one occasion during which I was experiencing a very challenging circumstance. I could not sleep and my heart was saddened. However, since I prayed and gave everything into the hands of God, I experienced a calmness that I could not describe. The experience made me feel that peace is literally achieved when one trusts God. It was also taught in MCGI that calmness is an indicator of faith. When an individual is certain that God is powerful and loving, he/she will not panic. Faith makes us see that there is a way even when the situation appears impossible. According to Isaiah 26:3, he says, Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is fixed upon thee: because he trusteth in thee. This verse teaches that we should maintain our focus on God and not the problem in order to gain peace. I also learned that on numerous occasions, I end up losing my peace simply because I tend to be more concentrated with the problem rather than focusing on the promises of God. The second lesson thing that is also significant to me is that we need to learn to listen first before we react. When individuals are angry, or concerned, they tend to be careless when talking and make it worse. Bible is written in James 1:19, Let every man be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath. This implies that we need to relax, listen and think first before uttering anything. Angry words uttered can ruin a relationship sometimes. But when we keep our cool we are able to talk with wisdom and love. Another thing I was reminded of by the MCGI topic is that at times, God permits things to go wrong so that we can learn to be patient and trust His word. Each difficulty has a rationale. In Romans 8:28 we read it thus, And we know that all things work together to good to them that love God. This verse makes me believe that even painful things are possible to bring some blessings in my life when I remain calm and trust in the plan of God. We find ourselves at other times looking back at a difficult season we just went through, and we find the issue contributed to making us stronger and wiser. Handling issues peacefully also implies that we are able to control our thoughts. Small problems may seem vast thanks to negative thoughts. In 2 Corinthians 10: 5, the Bible informs us that we should put into bondage all our thoughts to the obedience of Christ. This implies that I should not allow fear or doubt to rule my mind. Rather, I have to remember that God will be by my side. Faith and positive thoughts will bring about peace and negative thoughts cause more pain. Finally, I also got to know that we should not handle problems on our own. God uses people to help us. Discussion with a spiritual leader, a close friend, or a person in the family may allow comfort and novel ideas. Ecclesiastes 4: 9-10 states that two are better than one, because two are better when one falls, the other will rise his fellow. This demonstrates that we can be able to relieve ourselves by sharing our burdens with other people. There are times of my life when I am talking about my problems to a person who is mature enough and I am feeling peaceful and stronger.