Perspectives on Problems: An Encouragement for 2026
By: Kyle Streitmatter, Marketing Manager
The past few years have brought much growth, change, and healing to my life. I’m no expert, but I’ve spent some time pondering the purpose of challenges in our lives. Challenges, trials, struggles, obstacles—call them what you will; we all face them. As we launch into 2026, I want to encourage you with three lessons that have helped me—especially if you’re feeling overwhelmed by a tough situation.
#1: Learn to ask for help.
When life is going well, I start to believe that I’m self-sufficient, able to handle everything on my own. Sure, being human requires a healthy level of independence and responsibility. But we must always remember: we were created to need other people! God didn’t just create individuals—he ordained churches, families, communities, friendships, and workplaces so we could truly thrive.
This is the great gift of challenging seasons. When we finally admit “I don’t know what to do,” and ask for help, we discover new freedom and strength—if we are willing to humble ourselves. We unlock wisdom and experience, relieved to discover we aren’t alone or crazy. We aren’t the first to feel fragile, frustrated, or fearful. Asking for help is an indispensable life skill, one that we have to learn.
#2: Things take time.
Simple concept, but a hard one to reckon with. I don’t like waiting, and our culture of instant gratification deceptively tells me that I can have everything right now. But authentic change usually happens by degrees, not leaps. (Of course, there are exceptions—praise God when it happens!). This is important for expectation setting. What does success look like? If it means the problem is solved, done, and forgotten by next month, I’ll probably get frustrated and withdraw. Instead, break it into smaller steps and let the process unfold, layer upon layer, one day at a time.
#3: There is a greater purpose.
Have you ever found yourself in a situation and thought, “How in the world did I get into this? Why me?” I think the words of James 1:2-4 give some clarity: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
Why you? Why me? Because God uses trials to shape us. They are the forge in which character is made. They teach us humility, patience, and discipline. They force us to self-examine, assess our priorities, and confront our weaknesses. They teach us empathy. Over time, with help from people, layer upon layer—we are transformed. And this transformation isn’t just for our sake—it’s for the people we will positively impact further down the road.
So, as you face challenges and obstacles this year, I hope you will remember:
- Don’t do it alone. Humble yourself and ask for help.
- It will take time. Be patient and stay committed.
- It’s never wasted. God is doing something bigger than you can imagine.
Also remember:
I think it’s worth noting (because I can tend to struggle with this) that you are not the sum of your challenges. While we each have a responsibility to rise and meet our problems, our ability (or inability) to do so does not determine our worth. The people in our lives can help remind us of this—another benefit of asking for help!
In closing, I’ll leave you with this music video. It helps me take the long view and remember that “God makes everything beautiful in His time.”
