Last week my travels took me to Cleveland, Tennessee. Our family lived there thirty years ago. My husband, Kenn, and I ate at our favorite pizza place—Gondolier’s. The owner responded to our arrival with joy. We’ve stopped there a few times to eat over the years, but I’m always amazed he remembers us.
One visit to this restaurant will always stick with me. Our family of four lined up behind a few others and waited for a table.
The owner asked the first family (in his strong Greek accent), “How many?”
“Four.”
“No problem,” he said.
To the next couple in line he asked, “How many?”
“Two.”
“No problem.”
To my husband he said, “How many?”
Kenn replied, “Four.”
“No problem.”
He seated us and looked to the door toward the next group. “How many?”
“Three.”
He sighed. “Now we gotta problem.”
I’m so thankful God doesn’t say this to us. Instead, He responds with His love and grace. He goes to work on our behalf.
God, I need help with my finances. No problem.
Lord, I need a job. No problem.
Jesus, we need a church where we can grow and serve. No problem.
Father, we need our marriage healed. Does He reply, now we got a problem?
Ephesians 3:20 is one of my favorite verses. Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.
God can do more than what we ask of Him. He has the power and resources. With His power at work in us (the Holy Spirit) we receive strength, guidance, and determination to work through our problems. With God for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31)
But what are we required to do? We pray, ask, and trust God will move in our circumstances and do what only He can do. We must put action to our prayers and allow the Holy Spirit to direct our steps. This may mean we need to prepare a budget if our finances are out of whack. Brush up on our skills to find a better job. Visit a few churches and listen to God with our spiritual hearts to know where He wants us to serve. We may need to seek the help of a Christian counselor before we find healing in our relationships.
Are our difficulties problems in the Lord’s eyes?
To us He answers, No problem.