Akron Ohio Stake News

My Foundation Principle – Solve Problems

by Sister Diane Burgoon, 

Stake Self-Reliance Group Coordinator

330-430-9912, diane.burgoon@yahoo.com

Ponder the following question:  Why does Heavenly Father allow us to face problems and challenges?

“Behold, you have not understood; you have supposed that I would give it unto you, when you took no thought save it was to ask me. 
“But, behold, I say unto you, that you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right. 
“But if it be not right you shall have no such feelings, but you shall have a stupor of thought that shall cause you to forget the thing which is wrong (Doctrine and Covenants 9:7–9).

“The Lord expects us to help solve our own problems. . . . We are thinking, reasoning human beings. We have the ability to identify our needs, to plan, to set goals, and to solve our problems.” Robert D. Hales, “Every Good Gift,” New Era, Aug. 1983, 8, 9).

Every day we face choices, each with varying degrees of consequence.  If we follow the steps below, we can have peace and confidence that we are on the best path.  Sometimes, there doesn’t seem to be any solution to a problem.  It’s those times that we have to leave it in God’s hands, and know that it will be what He knows is best.  We know the eternal blessings that lie ahead when we keep the commandments.  Each problem and challenge polishes us so that we can be worthy.

Problem solving steps:

“And now, if the Lord has such great power, and has wrought so many miracles among the children of men, how is it that he cannot instruct me, that I should build a ship” (1 Nephi 17:51)?

Watch this video for a great example of a problem that needs a solution. A Bigger Truck? (churchofjesuschrist.org)

Contact your ward Self-Reliance Specialist, or myself (contact information in header above), for more information on joining a self-reliance group or Pathway. If you have any other questions or concerns, please let me know.

The Lord has declared, It is my purpose to provide for my saints.  D&C 104:15