The Problem Doesn’t Get The Chair
Living From The Promise In The Room
“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us.” — Ephesians 3:20
“We do not deny a problem’s existence; we deny the problem a place of influence.” Bill Johnson
Every room has a chair that seems to set the tone for the conversation.
Sometimes pain walks in and takes it. Fear pulls it out. Accusation sits down.
Before long, every prayer, thought, and response begins circling what is wrong.
We are not asked to pretend the problem is not in the room.
We are invited to stop giving it the chair.
When The Problem Leads
Paul had a thorn. He did not deny it, spiritualize it away, or call it good. But he came to see that the thorn was not God’s message over his life.
The accuser wanted Paul’s weakness to become the lens.
Grace gave him a truer place to stand.
The Promise Already Present
Ephesians 3 says God works beyond what we ask or imagine according to the power already at work within us.
Not power waiting in the distance. Not love stored for another life.
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit have made their home with us and in us.
Christ is our life. The Spirit strengthens the inner person.
Abba’s love is not absent from the problem.
Who Gets The Influence
We will not deny the grief, the fear, the thorn, the pressure, or the weakness.
But we will deny them the right to interpret who God is, who we are, and what is possible in Christ.
The problem may be present, but it does not get to preside.
Grace is in the room.
And Grace has the chair.
Reflection
Where have I given a problem more influence than Abba’s promise?
What truth in Christ is already present here?
How would I pray if Grace had the chair?
Prayer
Abba Father, help me see the problem without letting it lead me. Strengthen me by Your Spirit to live from Christ within me and trust Your grace in this room. Amen.