You Are the Solution

For every problem, there is a solution. For every question, there is an answer. For every despair, there is hope and for every defeat, there is victory.

This truth is never fully grasped by us until we are hard pressed and we have nothing else to do than to fight back and get the problem solved.

The resilience, determination and great effort exerted by mankind in times of adversity vividly demonstrate that we are the solution to every problem that confront us, and if we are really serious about solving any problem that confronts us, we will certainly find the solution, because we are the very solution.

Our reaction to the flood incident that recently occurred in our country Nigeria demonstrates that we truly hold the answer to every question life throws at us. As at the time of writing this article (October 2, 2012), some states in Nigeria including, but not limited to Kogi, Benue, Bayelsa, and some states in the Eastern part of the country were worse hit by the flood that came off the release of the water of our dams.

The devastation caused by the flood is unbelievable! In some parts of Lokoja environs, many houses, properties, farmlands and even the roads were submerged. In Ibaji Local Government Area of Kogi State, the story is the same.

Many people who lost their houses, properties and farmlands were displaced, but sheltered temporarily by government and individuals.

Although there was nothing we could do to stop the flood, we were able to find solution to the problems caused by the flood.

While we sympathise with those that were affected by the flood, we should remind ourselves that we hold the solution to all the problems caused by the flood.

The help, assistance, finance, food and philanthropy that came from the Federal, States and Local Governments as well as from concerned citizens, have clearly shown that we are the very solution to every problem we encounter.

The magnanimity of our governments and some concerned citizens have strengthened my faith in the excellent ability of mankind to love, help and do what is right. I have always believed that if we want to change, we can change; if we want to love and be good, we can actually love and be good. We are the solution to all our problems.

Lessons for Victorious Living

From the angle of solution, the problems caused by the flood and our reaction to them have brought to light some vital lessons that will help us proffer concrete solution to every problem we encounter.

Below are four vital lessons for victorious livings:

1.   Where there are Problems, there are Solutions

One reason we get discouraged in life is that in our worst moment, we fail to realize that there is a solution to every problem we encounter in life. We fail to realize that right within us (in our mind) lies the solution.

The Book of God, the Bible has warned: “Guard your heart (mind) with all diligence for out of it are the issues of life.” The way to guard your mind is to refuse to entertain negative thoughts in your mind. Constantly fill your mind with positive thoughts. You have to force yourself to believe that there is always a solution to every problem you encounter.

When you encounter problem, don’t throw your hands up in despair. No amount of problems you face should make you despair to the point of not knowing how to find solutions to them.

Where there are problems, there are solutions. The solutions are within you and that makes you the solution to all problems you face.

The problem is not that there are no solutions; the problem is our lukewarm attitude and lack of seriousness in taking time to find the solutions we need.

You may not be able to stop the flood, but at least there are some things you can do to survive the flood.

2.   Every Solution Counts

Any solution that will take you a step away from mishap, loss of life, harm, injury, etc, is a relevant solution.

Some solutions are palliative, some are temporal, others are permanent, and some others are immediate. In times of trouble, any solution you can quickly find counts.

What may not look like a solution, ordinarily, could be the best or immediate solution you need to solve a particular problem you are facing.

That is why it is irrelevant trying to go for solution that appeals to you.  A solution that may not appeal to you could be the very solution you need in times of trouble. So, what is important in troublous times is any solution that will take you off harm or destruction.

Do you know that when the flood hit some parts of the country, the government and concerned citizens did not waste time trying to construct a permanent camp for victims? Doing so would not have been the best solution. The best solution at that moment was to provide temporary camps for the victims of the flood using the classrooms of our primary schools all over the towns and localities. The government simply shut down our primary schools temporarily in order to deal with the emergency situation at hand.

It is a temporary arrangement any way, but I tell you: that is the best way of solving any problem that requires urgent solution.

In times of emergency, what you should be thinking about is what you can do at that moment to improve the situation. While the situation improves, you can then think of permanent solutions.

So, in times of adversity, don’t overlook or ignore solutions that will provide temporary or immediate relief. What is important is staying from harm.

In times of problem, every solution that will bring some urgent relief is relevant. Don’t allow the situation to get worse by trying to implement permanent solution.

What matters in any emergency situation is emergency solutions. Every solution counts in times of emergency, provided it brings emergency relief and comfort for the very moment.

3.   Power Your Life with Desire

One great need of man is the desire to survive. This desire has gingered man to advance from Stone Age to the present Information Technology (IT) age. One great advantage of problem is that it gingers us to be creative, innovative and productive. And this is what keeps mankind progressing day by day.

Dear reader, if you are surrounded by problems and you are fed up and discouraged, I have good news for you. The good news is this: every problem that comes your way contains the seed of greater benefit.

Existence of problem forces you to think of solution to the problem. Some problems actually ginger you to take some steps and by taking these steps, you eventually discover the great potentialities within you.

You may never know or appreciate the power within you until you are desperately desirous of finding solutions to problems that confront you.

My great concern is not the number of problems, obstacles and oppositions that are bent on holding you back from making progress in life. My great concern is whether you really desire victory over these problems. You must desire positive change before you can actually see the change.

There is power in desire. This power can force you to come up with solutions to all problems standing on your way.

The lesson we can learn from the flood that hit parts of our country, Nigeria recently is that for every problem, there is a solution. For every question, there is an answer. For every despair, there is hope and for every defeat, there is victory.

We are the solution to every problem that comes our way. We don’t need to throw our hands up in despair. There is always something we can do to bring a positive change. God has given us the brain we can use to think of solution to any problem.

Having problems is not a terrible thing, what is terrible is not knowing what to do to solve the problems.

Dear reader, you already have what it takes to proffer solutions to all problems that confront you. Don’t surrender yourself to any negative situation no matter how worse it may be. No problem should leave us disorganized.

In times of problems, learn to calm down and think, not worrying. Thinking is different from worrying. Worrying does not and cannot solve any problem, but thinking does.

Learn to calm down and think. Force yourself to think of what to do to solve the problems that are standing between you and your heart’s desire.

You are the solution to every problem that confronts you. Begin to generate the solutions now and start applying them. You are on the path to victorious living!