Why you can’t solve problems

“A problem well stated is a problem half solved.” – John Dewey

You can’t solve problems because you don’t understand them.

There you are. You’re stressed. You’re irritable. You’re trying to solve a problem.

Take the classic problem of running out of sugar. To go along with the classic problem, the classic solution is to borrow extra sugar from your neighbor. Simple enough.

We have a problem (out of sugar), and we have a solution (borrow from neighbor). Now let’s investigate.

I use one strategy frequently to try to solve problems. Tell me if this sound familiar:

I focus too much on the solution.

I try to develop a creative counter strike against the simplicity of the problem. This is where I build something massive, something creative.

This strategy says build a factory, purchase supplies and land, hire employees, and start producing my own sugar.

This doesn’t work, and here’s why:

Solving problems involves understanding them, not creating solutions. Solutions aren’t created.

Solutions are problems understood

“When a problem comes along, study it until you are completely knowledgeable. Then find that weak spot, break the problem apart, and the rest will be easy.” – Norman Vincent Peale

The sugar plantation solution doesn’t work because it doesn’t address the problem. The solution assumes I need to produce my own sugar so I’ll never go without for as long as I shall live.

Bogusness.

The problem is that I ran out of sugar. I simply want more sugar.

There’s a mega difference between a created solution and the problem’s solution.

The former doesn’t work. The latter does.

Think of it this way: from God’s perspective, there are no problems. There are only situations. God doesn’t need to create a solution. He simply knows the solution because He understands the situation.

When you need to solve a problem, first turn to God’s Word for help. He knows. He understands. But don’t search for a solution. God gives solutions but they’re the in form of knowledge about the situation.

We’re too solution minded. Forget about a solution for a second. Consider the problem.

Here’s an exercise you can try (no, not the aerobic or power lifting kind):

1) Next time you have a problem, instead of inventing a solution, try instead to define the problem. Write it down in one sentence.

2) Question your definition. Ask God, “Is my definition of the problem really the problem?”

3) Wait for God to help you understand the situation. Search His Scripture; ask other believers; pray.

4) Repeat (2) and (3) until God says yes to (2).

To answer the title question, you can’t solve problems because you will never understand them on your own. Only God can do that. But if you ask, He’ll help you.

“Let my cry come before You, O LORD; Give me understanding according to Your word. Let my supplication come before You; Deliver me according to Your word.” – Psalm 119:169-170

Serving Suggestions:

(1) Don’t try to create solutions. Understand them through God’s knowledge.

(2) Try the excise I’ve given above.

(3) Share your solutions with others when God shares them with you (comments would be nice too).