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I'd like to ask you a question. And I'd like for you to be honest. Have you ever started a sentence with the phrase "the problem with that is…?"

Now, if you answered yes, have you ever wondered why you start a sentence with this phrase? I know several people who frequently start sentences with that phrase. It's not something I say very often, and yet I hear it so often - I'm trying to figure out why.

According to Wikipedia, the word "problem" is defined as "a situation, condition, or issue that is unresolved or undesired. Usually, the nature of a problem is such that an answer or solution is needed."

I googled the word "problem" and came up with over 220 million hits. I googled the phrase "the problem with that" and came up with almost 200,000 hits.

Seems like a lot of people think about "problems" – a lot. Based on my experiences and research I get the strong sense that a large majority of our society can't seem to stop thinking about all the problems in their world – so much so, they don't think twice about passing those problems along to someone else by starting a sentence with "the problem with that is…"

I'll be honest with you… it drives me crazy. Why does everything have to be a "problem?" And even if you have a problem with something, why does it suddenly become my problem? Why do you have to blow holes in all my thoughts, ideas and suggestions by answering me with "the problem with that is…" (Do you get the impression that I'm a bit passionate about this? You'd be right.)

If you were to ask my close friends they would tell you I'm an optimistic person. I often say things like "when life hands you lemons, make lemonade" and "the glass is half full." I always try to look for the silver lining and at the bright side of things.

I've consider the word "problem" to be very negative – so I don't use it very often. Life is tough enough. I realize how important my attitude is with regards to overcoming the "challenges" of the world. (I guess "challenge" is my word for "problem.") So instead of choosing to focus on my "problems" – I'm more focused on having a good attitude and coming up with solutions.

I did a search for the word "problem" in the King James Version and the New American Standard Version of the Bible (along with several other old translations) and guess what? The word "problem" doesn't appear. In fact, it only appears a few times in the newer translations.

I was very surprised. So surprised it led me on a hunt for the use of the word. There were other words used in various translations similar to the word "problem." Words like: trouble, challenge, obstacle, trial, difficulty and my favorite… tribulation. Wikipedia defines "tribulation" as "period of immense suffering, greater than anything before in history."

I guess sometimes our problems can seem "greater than anything before in history." But our problems shouldn't surprise us… Jesus tells us that in this world we will have tribulation.

But let me say this another way… just because you are a Christian, just because you do good things, just because you are nice… it doesn't change the fact that in this world you will have tribulations. Jesus said it – and it's right there in John 16:33.

Here's the good news… we can have courage. Even though we'll face "problems" – Jesus can give us peace… because He's already overcome the world.

So if I can encourage you – please think twice before you start a sentence with the phrase "the problem with that is…" It might not be a problem. It might be an opportunity of a lifetime to be kind to someone, encourage someone, and to remember this - Jesus already overcame the biggest problem of all.

Blessings!