I have NO idea......

Being a person who likes to solve problems, I have a difficult time admitting I don't know the answer. I am relatively good at framing Google searches to find an answer if I don't know. I like to share information I discover (probably sometimes TOO much). In the age of technology, there is SO much to discover. Add to that my procrastination problem, and I can end up in a real mess.

When problems (opportunities) arise, I am quicker than I would like to worry. Even though I have watched and experienced God work in my life and the lives of those I love, sometimes worry is my first line of defense. Worry does not solve the problem. Often it makes finding an answer take longer.

So today, the phrase "I have no idea" started rolling around in my brain. I think this is more than "I don't know". An I don't know indicates that there is an answer to be found....if not today, in the near future.

"I have no idea" indicates there may not be an answer. However, sometimes my heart can overrule my logical mind. When I acknowledge that I have no idea how to handle an issue, I give God the opportunity to give me ideas. Usually those solutions, are ones that pop in my head after I feel I've tried everything else.

Now to only remember to 'fess up earlier. I might be able to save some time by just realizing I may have NO idea, but God does.

 Job 36: 22-25 (MSSG) 

 “Do you have any idea how powerful God is? Have you ever heard of a teacher like him?
Has anyone ever had to tell him what to do, or correct him, saying, ‘You did that all wrong!’?
Remember, then, to praise his workmanship, which is so often celebrated in song.
Everybody sees it; nobody is too far away to see it.

1 John 3:1 (MSSG)
What marvelous love the Father has extended to us! Just look at it—we’re called children of God! That’s who we really are. But that’s also why the world doesn’t recognize us or take us seriously, because it has no idea who he is or what he’s up to.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

Water and Fire and Problems/Blessings

We have had lots of issues lately and previously involving water. Rental house with leaky pipe, another where sump pump didn't function correctly = ugh. There has also been much flooding in many areas. Lots of photos of water much higher than it should be.

So I had started thinking about how some things, in moderation....or controlled, are good. However, left unchecked and too much? Bad, sometimes VERY bad.

Water and fire were two that immediately came to mind.

Water, controlled by the tides, controlled by a faucet, running through pipes and available on demand is an awesome thing. Water cools us off and hydrates us.
However, water not controlled means flooding, leaks, and ruined stuff.  Things left wet get wrecked very quickly. No water is damaging as well (little pun, there). Sometimes the cost to get water is prohibitive.

Fire, when contained properly is good for heat and cooking. However, fire out of control burns buildings, fields, forests and pretty much anything it comes into contact with.

And then, I'm reading a book that refers to Isaiah 43 (NIV), hence my confirmation that now is the time to write.

 ¹ But now, this is what the LORD says—
   he who created you, Jacob,
   he who formed you, Israel:
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
   I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
² When you pass through the waters,
   I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
   they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
   you will not be burned;
   the flames will not set you ablaze.

Problems can seem like water and fire. I guess if we could control our "problems", they wouldn't be a problem. Problems can be opportunities though. A chance to let God remind us that He is still in control even when we least feel like it.

Many times we feel overwhelmed when in the middle of our own flood, fire or problem. It is hard to see problems as blessings. It is hard to see through our own issues that there are people dealing with their own water and fires at the same time. Hopefully, though, the water recedes, the fire cools off and our problem is solved. Often, the solution will not be one we had thought of. Sometimes what we go through helps somebody else in ways we can't even imagine.

Control what we can and give the rest to God. He promises us that we are not alone and we are His.