Girls Life Application Study Bible - Flipbook - Page 74
HOW TO SOLVE PROBLEMS
Describe it
Before we begin solving a problem, we have to know what it is.
Write down a description of the problem.
pray about it
Take the problem to God first. He is bigger than any problem
you will ever face. Talk to him honestly about how you feel and
about the problem you want to solve and ask him for wisdom.
For the next four steps, think about crossing the street.
You’ll need to stop, look, and listen—and then go.
1
STOP
SKILLS
Problems occur whether we want them to or not. But when they
do, you can face them head on. Here’s how:
HOW TO REACT WHEN
YOUR WORLD FALLS APART
Sometimes terrible things happen. Here is some good advice to
help you get through these tough times:
Remember who you are. This situation doesn’t define
you. You are God’s beloved daughter. Nothing can ever
change that. You are here for a purpose, and this may be your
moment to shine in the darkness (see Romans 8:18-38).
trust god and talk to him.
God will never leave you.
Don’t shut him out; tell him exactly how you feel. Whatever
you are going through, God is with you, ready to help and
comfort you (see Psalm 34:18; 46:1; 2 Corinthians 1:4; 4:8).
Consider your choices before trying to solve the problem.
Be creative as you list all the possible options.
2
Look
Next, list what is important to you in each of these categories:
faith, family, friends, and future. Then compare your possible
solutions with your values and throw out any solutions that go
against them.
3
Listen
Be honest about your feelings. Sometimes it helps
to write about your feelings in a personal journal.
SEEk support of others. Instead of keeping your
struggles to yourself, talk to a parent, a youth leader, a school
counselor, or a friend.
Take the time to listen to the advice of others. Consider who to
talk to and how to talk to them:
Who: Seek the advice of people who have the knowledge
and experience to know what they are talking about,
who can relate because they have been through similar
experiences and have solved similar problems.
How: First, explain your problem. Next, describe your
possible solutions. Ask, “What did (or would) you do?”
Then ask, “Why is that the best thing to do?” Finally, offer
your thanks. Listen to the advice and think it through.
4
8.4
GO
Once you have evaluated the options in light of your values
and the advice you received, decide how to solve the problem
and move forward with your decision.
Pick up the pieces.
It is difficult to recover when you live
in despair. Instead of dwelling on what you have lost, realize
what you have and trust that God can bring good out of any
situation. As you pick up the pieces, rely on God and focus
on growing closer to him.
MOVE AHEAD. Decide what positive actions to take to move
forward. Once you have a plan in place, move ahead. If you
need motivation in taking this step, tell your plan to a trusted
friend or adult who can help encourage you to carry it out.
8.5
