Ripples Ministry

Problems – I think you have to agree with me that we are surrounded by problems. Today, more than ever before, the problems seems to be getting larger and larger are of more consequence. Not so long ago, our problems consisted of whether or not the crops would come in and if we had time to bring in the harvest before the weather changed.

Now we are facing problems of global impact. We are pumping tons if pollutants into the air that may change the planet for the worse and might even make it unlivable. And yet, we debate. We are using our resources at an alarming rate and give no thought to the future. The list goes on and on.

We focus however, more often than not, not on the problem but rather the consequences. After wrecking a car, we are obsessed with putting it back together as quickly as possible but little thought is often given to actually changing the behavior which led to the accident. We blame others for the bad things in our lives without honestly dealing with our own part. We are people determined to take care of the aftermath but often unwilling or unable to stop ourselves from allowing it to happen in the first place.

I am reminded of the salmon industry. As an avid fisherman, and especially fond of king salmon fishing, this is a subject that is near and dear to my heart. Last year they shut down nearly all the sport and commercial fishing off the California coast. The salmon fisheries are collapsing. The numbers have plummeted in recent years. Not only here, but in Alaska as well. Thirty years ago, it was decided in Alaska that farming salmon would be a good idea to meet the growing need. However, we are learning that the salmon farms may end up destroying that which we are trying to save. It takes two pounds of protein from the sea (i.e. krill) for every pound of fish that is raised. That means we are taking more out of the sea in order to raise less. Additionally, the large fish have sea lice and these are killing the wild juvenile fish and in some areas the salmon run has completely collapsed. So what do we do about this…? We debate.

Can you not see that the problem in nearly everything today has a common cause? Think about it. What do all the things I have mentioned here have in common? Us of course!

The problem is that we are the problem.

So then, what exactly is our problem? Why, after all these years and all of these great advances do our problems not only continue, but continue to grow in scale? P. T. Forsyth (1848–1921) said “You must live with people to know their problems, and live with God in order to solve them.” Our problem is sin.

We know how people are getting hurt and who is hurting them. Our petty differences keep us from solving the issues. We know how our planet is being ravaged and yet greed and politics are preventing us from doing what is right. Greed, envy, power, lust, sense of entitlement and all the rest is the sin that keeps us from treating each other and our home as we should.

So what can be done? How can this monumental problem be solved? There is only one way. As long as we are in sin, we will continue to be selfish and to put the needs of ourselves above others and the cycle continues. Only through Christ can that error be corrected, can we begin again to be the people that God has called us to be.

Perhaps you are struggling with problems in your life? Some of them no doubt of your own design and failures. If you are a Christian, ask God to reveal to you the changes that you need to make in order to set things right. Then, in the power of the Holy Spirit, make those changes! If you are in conflict with someone, try sharing the gospel with them. They have the same problem you do. It’s called sin.

And maybe you would say, Tim I have these problems, but how can I know that God will take away my sin if I come to Him? It is because God has promised us He will. In John 1:29-The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” Even though the world cannot be counted on, you can count on the promises of God.

If you do this, if you take this step of faith, will all of your problems disappear? Unfortunately no. We live in a fallen world. But at least you will be one more with the answer. God will be with you to comfort you. He tells us that He will never leave us nor forsake us – A strong promise in a world full of problems.

If you see the problem and want to correct it in your life, click HERE for the answer.

Blessings upon blessings

Tim