A real fix

By nature, I'm a fixer. It's not something that I'm necessarily proud of. Just something I've come to realize. If I had it my way, everything would be right in the world and in the lives of the people that I know. It was only a few days ago when as part of an apology to a loved one I uttered the words "sometimes I just try too hard to fix things."

Problem solving as a life occupation
That is probably the understatement of the century. I've spent most of my life trying to help others with problems. It is part of what I do as a minister and a counselor. But there is a fine line between leading people to truth and trying to fix them.

Fixated with fixing
Sometimes for me the lines get blurred. When that happens I become stressed out. I normally don't realize it until I snap at a loved one or burst into tears. When my need to fix overshadows my faith in God problems grow larger than life. I begin to find myself feeling helpless and alone. Instead of leading others to God, I try to be God. And the more I try to be God, the less I resemble Him.

Problems, problems
There are many things going on within the confines of my "world" that are beyond my ability to fix. I am physically experiencing severe back pain and not certain what type of care to pursue. My Mom is having health issues and awaiting surgery.

The holiday season is approaching and grief seems to be rearing it's ugly head. Our ministry is currently seeking to officially become a non-profit organization but we've been unable to find help in filing the necessary paperwork. We've finally have funds available but people aren't returning our calls.

The never ending list
And that is only the tip of the iceberg. We all have a list of problems that are pressing in on us. It is part of the daily life experience. Just yesterday my husband and I had a conversation about my list. We talked about how unrealistic it is for me to believe that I can solve any of them. I agreed. And yet my night was plagued by dreams about those very situations.

 Being fixated with fixing things at times runs deep. I've often wished I had an off button in my brain--especially at night. Yet another thing I'm concerned about fixing.

When Jesus calls
Recently a friend sent me a copy of Sarah Young's book Jesus Calling. Already I have found it to be a treasure. This morning my Savior met me to discuss the issue that I have with fixing things. This is what He said:

"Problems are part of life. They are inescapable: woven into the very fabric of this fallen world. You tend to go into problem-solving mode all too readily, acting as if you have the capacity to fix everything. This is a habitual response, so automatic that it bypasses your conscious thinking. Not only does this habit frustrate you, it also distances you from Me.

Do not let fixing things be your top priority. You are ever so limited in your capacity to correct all that is wrong in the world around you. Don't weigh yourself down with responsibilities that are not your own. Instead, make your relationship with Me your primary concern. Talk with Me about whatever is on your mind, seeking My perspective on the situation. Rather than trying to fix everything that comes to your attention ask Me to show you what is truly important. Remember that you are en route to heaven, and let your problems fade in the Light of eternity," Jesus Calling pg 349

And of course the Word backs this up:

"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you." Psalm 32:8

"But there's far more to life for us. We're citizens of high heaven! We're waiting the arrival of the Savior, the Master, Jesus Christ, who will transform our earthy bodies into glorious bodies like his own. He'll make us beautiful and whole with the same powerful skill by which he is putting everything as it should be, under and around him." Philippians 3:20-21 The Message

A worthy fixation
I'm always thankful when Jesus comes to call. He is God, and I am not. I know this but sometimes I need His powerful reminders. Once again, He has reiterated to me that my relationship with Him is my primary concern. He really is the only One worth of our fixation--anyway! Besides, He is the ultimate Fixer!

Are you ever plagued by the need to fix things? If so what have you done in response.

What helps you to fix your eyes on Jesus?

"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:2 NIV