You haven't heard from me lately because I've had some stretching challenges, but all is well even though...

I have a couple of important to things to share with you today.

Firstly, please know that nothing that happens to you is a surprise to God. Nothing!

He knows you, He knows all about you, He knows your circumstances and He IS at work in your life, He's working everything together for good. You will get to where you're supposed to be... but maybe not when you were expecting, or in the way you expected. Think about Joseph's life... God took what was intended for harm and turned it to good.

Don't give up! Whatever God has called you to do, He will equip you to do at the right time. He knows what you're up against, He knows the difficulties you face, He knows...

Last month, when faced with things that made me wonder how long I had remaining on earth, I seriously considered what I would do if I knew that my life on earth was coming to an end...

It helped me to think about what was most important, and I knew there were many things that had had seemed important that I would no longer spend time doing, it brought things sharply into focus. It also helped me to see what I would continue to do come what may. There weren't many things that fell into that category.

They were mostly to make sure that the people who were dear to me knew how much I loved and appreciated them, And to ensure that the things God had entrusted to me continued to be available to inspire and bless long after I was gone.

What about you? What would you do if you knew you only had another year on earth?

Today's Coaching Moment talks about the futility of trying to solve problems by finding a quick fix solution and what to do instead. You'll find it below - read, take action, and be blessed.

If you want to wake up each day KNOWING what your next step is - I encourage you to seriously consider joining us for life coach training so that you can get crystal clear about things, create a blueprint, and TRANSFORM YOUR OWN LIFE while being equipped to help other people have breakthroughs.

If you'd appreciate more regular updates and being able to connect with me more easily, I invite you to join me on Facebook where you'll find daily encouragement and inspiration.

Coaching Moment

Trying to solve problems by applying a quick fix solution rarely works and often leads to the same problems arising over and over again in one form or another – sometimes for years!

Trying to “fix” things that aren't working in your life or your business seems like the obvious thing to do.

We try to find solutions by:

• Learning from somebody else
• Hiring somebody to fix the problem for us
• Reading a how to book
• Searching online for answers
• Asking a friend to give a helping hand
• Investing in a course or product

I'm not talking about giving up... I mean to simply stop, get quiet, and reflect on things with God.

When we abide in Jesus we have access to God's wisdom. Often the answers we need to problems are within us.

The problem is that we don't know how to tune out the noise enough to be able to hear God’s solution calling in a quiet still voice.

The stress of the situation and the need to rush and “fix” whatever is wrong as quickly as possible, often creates so much noise and confusion that we can’t see, or hear, the solution that’s often right in front of us.

I’d like to offer a suggestion...

The next time you are presented with a problem, or need to do something different or new, let your first step be to do NOTHING.

Instead, sit quietly, look with eyes of faith, visualize the outcome you want to see, and ask the Lord to show you HIS solution.

Don’t FOCUS on the problem, don’t tell God the details of the PROBLEM, He already knows. Instead focus on the SUCCESSFUL outcome, speak about the outcome you want to see and ask the Lord to show you the way forward.

Whether it’s a big problem or a small problem… new or old... take your focus off the problem and focus on getting VERY CLEAR about the outcome you want to see.

Get quiet and listen for the solution. Talk with God and TRUST that the solution, or at least the next step, will become clear.

If you’re not used to approaching problems in this way, you might need to repeat the process a few times, but as you practice, and as this approach becomes more familiar, you’ll see that it gets easier and easier.

Visualizing the outcome you want to see – rather than focusing on the problem – holds the key to solving the problem once and for all.

I find that it really helps to start every day with this kind of visualization, and conversation with God.

I sit quietly and ask the Lord what I need to know today. I ask Him to show me the ONE thing will make the biggest difference to my whole day, and what is the most important thing to do FIRST.

I visualise the Lord there with me and the entire day going well. And more often than not my days do go smoothly, and any problems get solved with little stress.

That’s not to say that I don’t have hindrances, and sudden problems. I do! Last month, doctors led me to believe that there was a strong possibility that I had lung cancer. Thankfully a CT scan and other tests showed that the problem was elsewhere, and although a nuisance, wasn't life threatening.

When I start off the day with God it sets the tone for the day, I find I have FEWER defeats and get much more DONE.

Next time you are faced with a problem, instead of trying to fix things as quickly as possible and immediately looking for external solutions, take a few moments to get quiet and look to God for the direction you need.

It’s so simple – yet so powerful. Try it – you have nothing to lose! And it’s another step nearer to prayer without ceasing.

If you'd like help with recognizing God’s voice you'll find lots of tips here www.HowToHearGod.co

If you have questions about Christian life coaching I invite you to listen to this recording. We answer your biggest questions about life coaching and coach training, and give you a taste of the power of coaching - a life coaching exercise that helps you to start transforming your life straight away. You will find the recording here.

How you can support this ministry

So many people have asked how they can support my ministry, and requested that I make it easy to make donations, so I now have a donations page.

You can help me to help others by PRAYING as the Lord leads. I need wisdom, support, and encouragement to be able to continue serving the many people from all over the world who benefit from the resources they find on my coaching site.

This is where you can easily make a donation if that's what the Lord is leading you to do.

Lynne Lee is a Christian life coach and life coach trainer, who helps people to see themselves through God'e eyes and live life as He intended.

Copyright © 2014, all rights reserved. The 5 Minute Life Coach is a publication of Christian Life Coaching Permission is granted to reproduce, copy or distribute this newsletter provided that The 5 Minute Life Coach is kept intact, and this copyright notice and full information about contacting Lynne are included.