When things don't work out your way

We are all merely human beings. Therefore, there are times when problems and disputes arise between us – also in friendships, relationships or in marriages. What do we do then? Do we simply throw in the towel, turn our backs to the other person and go our own way? Or do we try to reason with one another to clarify the problem?

Finding solutions together is certainly not always the easiest way. However, if we don't, our lives will be poorer by one person again. When someone means something to me, I do everything to seek clarity and peace.

The relationship between us humans and God is also not always simple. How often do we ask the question: How can God allow this? Regardless of whether it concerns private problems or global problems such as hunger or war, we expect of “our” God to solve things our way.

What do we do if we don't receive the desired answer? Do we then turn away from God? Do we leave the Church? Do we look for another god? Or do we try talking to God and praying?

Just as with other people, we mostly cannot even guess God's thoughts and intentions. Only when we depend totally upon Him, when we bring our problems before Him and listen to His voice, do we sometimes perceive His actions. I have also, in some situations when I found myself in despair, later understood His answer. His thoughts are not our thoughts, He is above time and we sometimes only understand the reasons in retrospect.

We can, of course, also take the easy way out and turn our backs to God – however, we then lose something very important in our lives, someone who truly loves us!

How do you deal with conflicts?

I wish you a blessed day, rich in conversation with people and with God.

Rainer Gigerich