What To Do When Life Solutions Takes Longer

What do you do when the solution takes longer than you expected? I think most of us would like to quit our job, change our circumstances, or at least see a conceivable solution on the horizon. Rushing in too fast can create a bigger disaster. Waiting is uncomfortable especially when the situation is out of our control. It is a life skill to learn to embrace the wait without losing hope or throwing in the proverbial towel. Here is what to do when life solutions takes longer than you expect.

Reality vs Imagination

It never ceases to amaze me how the solutions for every problem can automatically be worked out in under two hours in a movie. It is the battle of reality vs our imagination. Of course, the solution is ALWAYS fair and completely to the benefit of the hero or heroine. That may be how it plays out in the movies and maybe in romance novels too. However, real-life solutions aren’t always fair, nor do the solutions to life’s problems quickly appear in under two hours. Are you subconsciously expecting your problems to be resolved in imagined movie time to your benefit? What happens when the solution takes longer than expected? Do a reality check to be realistic in a sensible time frame. Do not allow your imagination to run away with your thoughts regarding the circumstance. Keep the reality vs imagination battle on your radar screen.

Loss of Hope

Loss of hope can easily creep in when the solution to the problem takes longer than expected or preferred. Remind yourself that this is real life and not the movies. Microwave ideology does not work for life situations gone awry. Proverbs 13:12 (KJV) states, “Hope deferred maketh the heart sick.” Without hope, depression occurs and lingers. I have learned to lay my problems down at the foot of the cross on the altar of the Lord. I search out scriptures that infuse me with faith and hope. Though I can’t see a good solution yet, I KNOW it is out there. I pray and thank God for His most perfect answer for the situation though it may not be what I envisioned the solution to be like. Put your hope in God, who is the highest authority over every area in life. Then you will never lose hope.

Distractions Are Welcome

Distractions are welcome when a problem drags on. You might be tempted to give up and throw in the proverbial towel when no solution is in sight. Don’t do that! Don’t quit! Distract your mind and emotions instead from the unresolved issue. Distractions from long-running problems actually help refresh your mindset allowing you more staying power when the problem lingers longer than expected. Praise and worship music is a two fold distraction that will lift your spirit and focus you positively. Go to lunch with some friends to hear a different set of problems. Take a moment to do something physical, like exercise that can release frustration and stress. Do something, anything, more enjoyable to take your thoughts off the issue. Distractions are needed and welcome when the answer to the situation isn’t forthcoming.

Ungodly Counsel

In our fallen world, ungodly counsel abounds on all sides. It makes a HUGE difference where you seek your counsel and solutions. In our desire to speed up the conclusion to the matter we often can look in the wrong place. We can accept the wrong advice and then pay severe consequences. Alexander Pope wrote this wise statement in 1711, “Fools rush in where angels fear to tread.” We’d do well to remember that. The internet isn’t the best source of accurate or godly solutions for your problem. Nor are friends and co-workers if they do not know the Lord. Ungodly counsel can have you going in the exact opposite direction of where God wants. Seeking God’s word in the matter and godly counsel will ensure the best outcome for every party involved. Ungodly counsel produces ungodly outcomes. It is not worth the risk.

Rest

Learn to rest amid the problem. If you are going to be present in the long haul you have to learn to rest along the way. No good thing comes from being totally depleted. Sleep… it does a body, (mind and emotions too) good! Rest your heart, mind, and emotions in the Lord. Allow His timing to take place. Be at peace within yourself. God will let you know when it is time to pick it back up. Rest in the Lord knowing that His wisdom and timing are always best. Be active in hoping, having faith in His wisdom as you rest. Don’t let the unresolved problem wear you out. Rest!

Conclusion

Life’s problems are rarely solved in movie time. Many issues are beyond our control to fix. Remember that reality vs imagination plays an unhealthy role in our expectations of how and when the situation will be resolved. Delayed solutions increase depression causing us to lose hope. Instead, lift songs and prayers of praise and worship remembering God’s faithfulness. God’s love does NOT fail. Thank Him for forthcoming answers. Look to the Lord for His counsel. Put your hope in His wisdom and timing. Where we seek the answers to our life’s problems is critical. Ungodly counsel will bring ungodly results. Instead of growing weary, throwing in the towel, and quitting, learn to distract yourself. Learn to rest. Refresh your focus. Allow God to work out all the details to everyone’s best advantage. This is what you do when the solution takes longer than you expect. Amen!