Young People's Group

LEARNING TO SHARE OUR PROBLEMS

by Pastor Mitch
July 10, 2005

The Example Of Paul In Sharing His Problems

Many of us do not like to share our problems. Being in an Asian society, the tendency for many of us is to not talk about our problems. We feel that it is a shameful thing to do so, and we prefer to try to work them out ourselves. Very often, they do not get resolved. Whether they are problems with friends in Church, family members, school friends or even ourselves, it is good for us to raise them up and to deal with them. The Apostle Paul went through tremendous difficulties and yet, he was able to talk about them. He was not afraid to mention them. How did he go about it?

1. Wanting Others To Know About Our Troubles

“For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our trouble which came to us in Asia…”
2 Corinthians 1:8

Paul did not want his fellow Christians to be ignorant about the troubles he had gone through. He was not afraid to talk about his troubles. He was very open with regards to what he had gone through. Let’s learn to speak about our problems so that others may know what is happening in our lives.

2. Sharing Of Candid Feelings

“… that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life.”
2 Corinthians 1:8

Paul also shared with the Corinthians the grave feelings that he had. He was greatly burdened by the trials he had faced. There were times when it seemed unbearable. Paul shared honestly about his own feelings of despair. Young people, let’s be candid in sharing about what we may be feeling.

3. Talking About The Right Lessons Learnt

“That we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead”
2 Corinthians 1:9

Beyond just talking about his problems, Paul also spoke about the right lessons he learnt. He had cultivated a great trust in the Lord. He saw how God was totally trustworthy when it came to the matter of delivering him. With trust, he was able to cope with his great tribulations. Paul took time to share about his lessons of trust.

4. Getting Others To Pray For Us

“You also helping together in prayer for us”
2 Corinthians 1:11

Paul also saw how the prayers of fellow Christians made a great difference. This was one of his reasons why he was opening his heart to the brethren. He knew that God would definitely help when others prayed for him. When you talk about your problems to the Pastors, Sunday School teachers and youth leaders, you can count on us to pray for you. Let’s not be afraid to share about our problems. Let’s follow Paul’s example in telling others about our troubles that they may pray for us.

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