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Some time ago I read in a book on human behaviour this interesting report…. I hope that you are not one of those ‘problem people’ who only foresee problems and negative developments. A businessman whom I knew and who owned a big concern had been given the nickname ‘Problemman’ because of his nature, but one day he was given a lesson which made him think about his behaviour and which completely cured him.  The directors of his firm planned a business project which, on one hand would require large investments and on the other hand entailed certain risks, but it also held great promise of success. As the problem was being discussed our problemman frowned and raised the usual objections: “Just a moment! Let us first look at the problems we could be facing.” (Such an objection is often made in a wise and schoolmasterly manner, but it is only an expression of inner uncertainty).

One of the older directors, who was highly esteemed because of his unassuming nature and efficiency, said: “Why do you want to put the negative aspects in the foreground instead of the positive ones?” The problemman answered, “If we want to act cleverly, we must always be realistic. There is no doubt that this project would have certain problems, may I ask, what would be your attitude to them?” Without a moment’s thought the director said: “My attitude? That is quite simple: I would just move them out of the way and forget them.” – “That is easier said than done” replied the pessimist. “Would you also tell me what wonder remedy you have to move problems out of the way and then forget them? I would like to have it also.” The other man smiled a little and said: “My dear man, throughout my life I have been able to cast aside a great number of problems. I have never failed, provided of course, that I have had enough trust and courage and have made the necessary effort. Here, read this principle and don’t tell me that it is worthless, because I have tried it a hundredfold.” With these words he pulled a card out of his wallet and handed it across the table to the other man: “Please read it aloud!” Slowly and with an unsteady voice the other read: “I can do all things through Christ, who strengtheneth me.” (Philippians. 4:13)

While putting his card back he said: “I am now an old man and have had many difficulties, but there is dynamic power hidden in these words and with it all difficulties can be overcome.” He said these words with deep conviction. The fact that this old man who was successful, upright, and certainly no hypocrite had such great faith in these words made a tremendous impact on all present. There was no further negative discussion, and it was decided to go ahead with the project, which later proved to be a success in spite of all the problems.

This is as far as the story goes. I would like to add the question: What do we think about our faith? Is it merely a religious philosophy of life to us or is it a living force of which we are daily aware and make use of to overcome the struggles in life in the way God wants us to? Jesus once said:  “If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.” (Matthew 17:20).  What dynamic power Jesus has entrusted to faith. Even though we may be confronted with great difficulties (mountains) we can overcome them with the power of faith.