Focus on God, Not Your Problems: God Still Clothes the Lilies, Lesson 8- Shades of Grace | Natalie Nichols
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Apr 23rd 14 Posted by Natalie Nichols in Overcoming Adversity

Focus on God, Not Your Problems: God Still Clothes the Lilies, Lesson 8

Focus on God, Not Your Problem

Are you overwhelmed by a problem? Perhaps many problems? I am. And they can consume my thoughts and obscure my view of God. That’s why I’m reminding myself of today’s lesson:

Lesson #8: Focus on God, Not Your Problems

Do you remember the model prayer that Jesus prayed, the prayer we often call the Lord’s prayer? You probably memorized it as a child:

“Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.”
Matthew 6:9-10

Notice that this prayer begins with “Our father in heaven…” not “Our problem here on earth….” The focus is on God—not on our problems.

In Fasting for a Spiritual Breakthrough, Elmer Towns writes,

“When we focus on our problems, we exercise faith in our problems. We are admitting that our problems are bigger than we are and even bigger than God.” [i]

As we focus on who God is—on His character and faithfulness—our mind is renewed. We realize He is the I AM for our every need. We develop more faith in His power than in our problems. We begin to see into the spiritual realm and walk by faith in God rather than by the sight of what exists here in the temporal realm.

What’s Your Focus

Are you focusing on the size of your problem or the size and greatness of your God?

In a previous post, I shared an easy. life-changing way to turn your gaze upward to God when you pray. If you want to focus on God instead of your problems, take five minutes to implement this vital action step.

“Speak God’s Word into your circumstances.
Don’t speak your circumstances into God’s Word.”
— Tony Evans 

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TweetablesTweetables

  • Are you consumed with a problem? The model prayer begins with “Our Father in heaven” not “Our problem on earth.” #FocusonGod Click to tweet Tweet
  • “When we focus on our problems, we exercise faith in our problems. We are admitting that our problems are bigger than we are and even bigger than God.” — Elmer Towns Click to tweet Tweet
  • As we focus on who God is—on His character and faithfulness—we realize He is the I AM for our every need. Click to tweet Tweet
  • Are you focusing on the size of your problem or the size and greatness of your God? Click to tweet Tweet
  • “Speak God’s Word into your circumstances. Don’t speak your circumstances into God’s Word.” — Tony Evans Click to tweet Tweet
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Questions:

  • What problems and challenges are you facing today?
  • Are you focusing on the size of your problem or the size and greatness of your God?
  • Do your prayers begin with a recitation of your problems? Or do you remind yourself through God’s Word of His power, love, promises, and covenant keeping character?

OTHER POSTS IN THIS SERIES:

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[i] Elmer Towns, Fasting for a Spiritual Breakthrough (Ventura, CA: Regal Books, 1996), 91


 

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, Shades of Grace will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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