Fast From Wrong ThinkingSample

DAY 7 — The “Problem-Focused” Mentality

Today we’re fasting from what I call the “problem-focused” mentality. The problem-focused mentality just sees and reports the problem.

LET’S CHANGE IT TODAY

1. Never be satisfied with just recognizing a problem. There are enough critics and complainers in the world. The world needs solution-minded people, not just those who can report a problem.

2. We are compensated in life for the problems we solve, not the problems we merely recognize. In Genesis 41, Joseph not only recognized the famine coming, but he offered a solution for the famine. As a result, he became the most powerful man in the world. Even Pharaoh bowed his heart to Joseph and recognized his power.

3. Love math! What do I mean? Mathematics is a great discipline because it proves there is a solution to every problem. Whether you liked math in school, we need to get this: there is a solution to everything. Ask for it.

4. You have the mind of Christ. With His mind, He will give you His solutions. With every problem man created, God had a solution. And you have His mind!

5. Lean on the Holy Spirit. As we are led by the Holy Spirit and pray in the Holy Spirit, we bring His solutions into our situation. Romans 8:26–27 says, “the Spirit helps our weaknesses. For we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us . . . according to the will [solutions] of God.”

6. Stop talking about the problem and start talking to it. Jesus said, “If you shall say to this mountain, be removed and cast into the sea, and do not doubt . . . it shall obey you.” Use your mouth to move your focus from the problem.

THINK IT AND SAY IT

I believe that God will give me the interpretations of life’s problems and that He will bless me with wisdom and answers. I believe there is a solution to every problem because I have the mind of Christ. I welcome the Holy Spirit to pray through me and bring God’s will and solutions to my life and to the lives of those around me, in Jesus’ Name!