Case Study : Problems As Blessings

Problems as Blessings

( to be thankful to what received or not? )

 

I. Statement of the Problem

Everybody faces problems. Some problems are big and threatening, some are just small but irritating. It could either develop or destruct a person who owns problems depending on how he or she carries it.

Many of us speak about problems as threat, others see those challenges or trials of life that would somehow let them be more efficient and more effective individuals.

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds,

because you know that the testing of your faith develop perseverance”

( James 1:3-2* )

As stated by in Holy Bible, God uses problems for our perfection. When we respond correctly, problems become character builders. Sometimes God must light a fire under you to get you moving. Problems often point us in a new direction, motivate us to change or engage us in self evaluation.

“When you change the way you look at things, the way things look change”

-Taoism teaching

Often the greatest setbacks in our life end up being the greatest blessings in disguise. Sometimes your biggest failure sets you up for your greatest success.

II. Background of the Problem

A problem is an obstacle, impediment, difficulty or challenge, or any situation that invites resolution; the resolution of which is recognized as a solution or contribution toward a known purpose or goal. A problem implies a desired outcome coupled with an apparent deficiency, doubt or inconsistency that prevents the outcome from taking place.

Every theoretical problem asks for an answer or solution. Trying to find a solution to a problem is known as problem solving. There are many standard techniques for problem solving. A problem is a gap between an actual and desired situation. The time it takes to solve a problem is a way of measuring complexity. Many problems have no discovered solution and are therefore classified as an open problem.

It has been said that some of the biggest problems people face can end up being the greatest blessings in disguise.

Of course in the middle of difficultly and strife, it is very hard to see this as true. However, when you look back at some of your hardest moments years later, they seem to open the door for blessings in disguise.

Some people might find that a major problem or loss, while devastating, can put them on whole new path. These are the detours in life that make us stop completely and reevaluate. We might have this idea in of what life is “supposed” to be like, and then we get hit with a whole new reality.

One of the things I say in my book, Just Give Your Head a Shake, is that “the more negative a situation was for me, the better off I would land. Life sometimes doesn’t make sense and I believe we simply shouldn’t waste our time wondering why this is.”

We can make ourselves crazy wondering why things are the way they are or why this problem or that is present, but this truth is that everything is exactly the way it is supposed to be. Your life, the crazy world we live in, and your current circumstances are just as they should be.

Rather than trying to resist our struggles, whatever they might be, imagine seeing them as blessings or gifts. What a difference world this would be if everyone could believe their challenges were actually blessings in disguise. So, as you deal with whatever is facing you at this time, remember that it might just be a gift.

III. Desired Criteria for Solving the Problem

There are many times in our life when we just want to throw it all in, hide under the covers or run off to be a different person in a different town. And it's true: problems can get you down, especially when there seems to be no end to them. But by making a small change in your thinking you can actually turn your problems into good things - into things you actually look forward to. And best of all - changing your thinking costs nothing to do.

"How can I do that?" you might ask. What I am about to say may seem crazy, or even different, but it's true: You have never truly lost until you stop trying. Why? Because while you're still trying, each set-back doesn't stop you, it becomes a new lesson to help you on your way to success. Each set back makes you a more worthy opponent. Each set-back helps you get stronger, better and faster - so long as you never ever quit.

Whenever we set out to do something - maybe we've set a goal, or maybe we just secretly want something we don't have - we never go there in a straight line. Sure, we start out heading directly towards it, but something might happen that makes us have to adjust our course. So we adjust, but then we might go off course the other way! The point is, so long as we are constantly readjusting our course while moving forward, we are going to get to our goal eventually. Pilots never go in a straight line to their destination - and they never fly on auto pilot the whole way. They adjust their flight-path to get to their destination.

If you don't count a blessing, then for you that blessing does not count.  For all practical purposes, it doesn't exist.  You won't recognize it as being present. Each day you need to remind yourself of your blessings, or you will forget they are there.
For most people, the spreadsheet of life doesn't contain blessings. The rows and columns on their spreadsheet are either empty or filled with problems. You need to check your mental spreadsheet to see if you are counting your blessings or problems.  Most folks are experts at counting their problems and never get around to counting their blessings.

When I lived in the world of large villas, luxury cars, and unrestrained desire, I knew many people who had everything except happiness.  They suffered from an affliction called "more."  Their mental tanks were continually empty because they never counted their blessings.

When you count your blessings, you problems shrink, and soon you forget they exist. When you count your problems, your blessings shrink, and soon you forget that they are there. When you get up in the morning, you decide whether you are going to count your blessings or your problems.  That decision sets the tone for your entire day.

 

IV. Alternative Solution under Consequences

Related Studies:

·        As Roman Catholic, Ellah Macalintal tells that she has never been so much lucky as anybody else. She is an ordinary lady who also experiences joy and sadness even winnings and failures. She usually heard from her parent everyday advices that she obey and sometimes disobey it. For she knows that it is part of growing up. Many problems may come on her way but she would never take those as burden but instead challenges to make her a better person.

·        In every game, part of it is losing and winning. If you win today it was brought about by different aspects. Your hard work for trainings and the motivation to do some related works. Like the AZKAL heartthrobs brother Younghusband, they talked about the rise and fall on their journey us top players in the game. Every time they win it is a reward for what they invest, their hard work and discipline. And when they lose the battle, it reminds them to do better next time. They are optimistic every time. Taking those things positively is one thing everyone should duplicate. Problems are blessings for them.

·        According to God’s word, He uses problems for correction. Some lessons we learn only through pain and failure. It’s like when as a child your mother told you not to touch a hot stove. But you probably learned by being burned. Sometimes we only learn to value of health, money, a relationship and etc. by losing it.

·         Learners should taste the ups and downs. They should encounter problems in life so that they would learn how to solve it. Life is a problem solving. It needs critical thinking and absolute understanding on the different things in life. We must always consider problems as part of one’s journey.

·        Those who win never quit, and those who quit never win. Those who see problem as a problem would never get through of what they are encountering right now. According to Readers Digest, problem is given by God to test us, to challenge us but not to harm us. It is God’s way of knowing how bright and good are we to pass the test of life.

 

Interview

Date:                March 3, 2012

Interviewer:       Mico Renson B. Amazona

Interviewee:      Mrs. Rowena Biscocho Sapaula

                        Filipino Subject Teacher, Fourth Year

                        Fernando Air Base National High School

Topic:               Problems are Blessings

1.       When do you pray?

-          Each day I pray. I have been in a habit of prayer since I got in school then. I pray every morning, in meal time and at night before I sleep.

2.       If you mind, may I know your usual prayers?

-           Ah, I follow format when I pray. First, I always thank Him for all the blessings and gifts that I am receiving from Him, and also for family of course. I also ask for forgiveness if ever I did something which is against on His divine will. And lastly, the final part of my prayers is my personal request like guidance and many, many more!

3.       What is the biggest and most challenging problem that you have encountered?

-          Biggest challenges and problems? Oh my gosh, there’s a lot. I have encountered many challenges which really define me now. And I guess, one of those which really challenge me a lot is when my parents passed away. I just couldn’t imagine myself that time because I really feel so sorry for myself. I thought that, that would also be the end of my life.

4.       What have you learned after you surpass that problem?

-          I learned so many things in life then. I learned what life is. Most of all, it is to love life more and more.

5.       Do you believe that problem is a blessing? How or Why?

-          Hmm, yes! I believe that problems are blessings in disguise. Problem would not remain problem if we see the other side of it. Because, problems are only challenges which test us and give us reason to discover more in life.

Many problems will have multiple direct solutions, but often these solutions will be unsavory at first glance because they will require courage, self-discipline, creativity or persistence to implement. But if we can somehow get ourselves to follow through, we know the solutions will actually work.

Here are ways God wants to use the problems in your life:

God uses problems to direct you. Sometimes God must light a fire under you to get moving. Problems often point us in a new direction and motivate us to change. Is God trying to get your attention? Sometimes it takes a painful situation to make us change our ways. *Proverbs 20:30 (GN)

God uses problems to inspect you. People are like tea bags, if you want to know what is inside them, just drop them into hot water. Has God ever tested your faith with a problem? What do problems revel about you? When you have many kids of trouble, you should be full of joy because troubles test your faith and this will give you patience. *James 1:2-3 (NCV)

God uses problem to correct you. Some lessons we learn through pain and failure. It’s like that as a child your parents told you not to touch a hot stove. But you probably learned by being burned. Sometimes we only learn the value of something, health, money and a relationship by losing it. It was the best thing that could have happened to me, for it taught me to pay attention to your laws. *Psalm 119: 71-72 (LB)

 

V. Choose from alternatives

Problems, when responded to correctly are character builders. He uses them to perfect you. God is far more interested in your character than your comfort. Your relationship to God and you character are the only two things you are going to take with you into eternity.

We can rejoice when we run into problems they help us learn to be patient. And patience develops strength of Character in us and helps us trust God more each time we use it; until finally our hope and faith are strong and steady. *Romans 5:3-4 (LB)

Whatever be the nature of the problems, it is a fact that it affects our normal life. As these problems are crucial, we need to handle it very carefully to save our precious life.

Any problem can be encountered with a positive perspective. If we are sick, just remember that we are only one among millions and is very common in human life. We need to be very careful that no issues are developed within.

 

VI. Justify your Choice

Human life is packed with various problems, both internal and external.  Life is not problem proof. All of us are subject to various kinds of problems and difficulties. Some people get disappointed and succumb to it, but few people come out victoriously. Some people consider failures as end but some others consider it as a stepping stone towards success.

A problem can be a blessing in disguise if it prevents us from being harmed by something more serious. God is at work in our life- even we don’t recognize it or understand it.  But it is much easier and profitable when we cooperate with Him.

To God be the Glory!