Text: Isaiah 38:1-5
It is an indisputable fact that one thing that is common to man on the face of the earth is problem. In other words, there is no one on the face of the earth that does not have one problem or the other, regardless of their spirituality or what have you—nobody is immune to problems. However, it is possible for you to live above your problems, regardless of the degree of the problem in question. Thus this message proffers scripture based, practical answers, and principles that do not only help you to live above your problems, but also keep you in God and keep God in you while you are going through those problems.

A very wealthy king who had a great passion for raising sheep needed a man that would shepherd his flock. His trusted servants went through the nooks and crannies of his kingdom in search of the most skilful shepherd. “Here we go again”, they murmured. They wondered why the king would go to great lengths to nurture and protect the wayward flock. Finding the best shepherd in each location was very easy: these were men who knew how to find the best pastures; instinctively, they could locate clear streams of water for their flocks; the rod and the staff were like extensions of their hands; and they could smell lions, wolves and beers from a great distance. The difficult task was getting the best of the best. The servants unanimously agreed that any of the shortlisted men could do the job. The youngest servant suggested that they should just cast lots to pick the one they would take to the king. However, the eldest servant–whose opinion is highly respected—gave him a disapproving look. “Have you ever bothered to know why the king kept kicking out one shepherd after the other from his flock?” he asked. “They were all skilful, no doubt, but they could not be trusted. Let’s choose the man with proven integrity.”

Whether it’s for a child or for that perfect spouse or that dream job. Whatever it is I find that everyone and I mean every single person I know is waiting on God for something.

My sister just finished serving her country and is waiting for a good job. My best friend is waiting for the man who is ‘worth it’. My beautiful lovely friend is waiting for a child. My colleague is waiting for a better job offer. My friend is waiting to launch his album. My adoptive mother is waiting for a husband. My sisters are waiting to get a better house. My other friend is waiting for a financial breakthrough and his friend can’t wait for his business to kick off.

Often times, we find ourselves in a stalemate. After having lived right, prayed, fasted, attended programs, bought the tapes and CDs, given, volunteered and all the works, nothing seems to move. We find ourselves not moving closer to our dreams or goals than when we first believed. There is a stalemate. Man is waiting for God to move while God is waiting for man to move. Lots of movement but no motion.