Knotty Problems

“Now I have heard that you are able to give interpretations and to solve difficult problems.” – Daniel 5:16 NIV

According to legend, Alexander the Great marched his army into Gordium (a city located in modern-day Turkey). Upon arriving, he encountered an ancient chariot, its yoke tied with tightly entangled knots. He heard the story that anyone who unraveled these knots would be destined to become ruler of all Asia.

Encouraged by that account, Alexander determined to find a solution. Despite all his efforts, he could not unravel the knots. After taking a fresh look, he realized that it made no difference how the problem was solved. Instead of trying to unravel the knots, he sliced them in half with his sword. He had outsmarted the ancient puzzle.

That same night, the city was hit by a thunderstorm that Alexander believed was confirmation of the tradition. Alexander went on to conquer much of Asia, but his reign lasted only a few years.

The phrase Gordian knot entered the lexicon as shorthand for an obstacle that seemed impossible to solve. Likewise, cutting the Gordian knot is now commonly used to describe a daring solution to a seemingly insurmountable problem.

Do you ever encounter problems with no apparent solution? The Bible tells us God can help us solve even the most perplexing challenges. He did that very thing for Daniel, enabling him to “solve difficult problems.”

Ask God for His help to solve the problems you face—any problem. Seek His wisdom. Don’t doubt.

Reflection Question: What challenging situation are you facing right now?