The Most Important Step: “NEXT”
Years ago my wife, Liz went on a mission trip with the teens. In the course of time, a problem arose. Liz and the other adults discussed the problem. After a considerable time of discussion, Liz said, “Okay, we have identified the devil. Now what are we going to do about it?”
She was not calling the young person “the devil.” She was referring to the cause of the problem. She was recognizing an often-forgotten principle on how to deal with problems. Here is that principle: First you identify the problem, then you take the next step. Identifying the problem is merely the first step. Think about it, discuss it, but do not get stuck in the discussion process. Take the “NEXT” step. The “NEXT” step is asking yourself what do we do next and then do it.
Too many times good people get caught up in the discussion part of a problem. They talk about it, think about it, and fret over it, but never do anything about it.
1 Samuel 17 tells us the famous story of David and Goliath. David and Goliath is a story of victory. The story of Saul and Goliath is the story of “stuck.” King Saul discussed the giant for 40 days, but he never really did anything about the problem. He did offer a reward to anyone who would solve the Goliath problem, but he did not do anything himself. (1 Samuel 17)
Saul got stuck instead of taking the next step. He identified the devil, but then he waited for the problem to go away. He got stuck in the process of worry and fret.
When you face your own Goliaths, identify them, but take the “NEXT” step. Do something about it. Formulate a plan and then work the plan. Those who do not plan and follow through are planning to fail.
~Lonnie Davis