Solutions

Rarely do I watch golf on television.  For me golf is about playing and not watching.  (no mention of my skill level here).  I’m one of those guys that would rather play most sports than watch them be played.  But yesterday I turned on the tube and watched Anthony Kim and Tiger Woods play the last five holes of the AT&T Invitational.  Tiger was co-leading with Hunter Mahan who had already completed his final round and Kim was just two back from the lead.  So, I decided this was good drama and I would watch to see if Tiger could pull it out and if Kim would move up a stoke or two for a possible three-man playoff.  Tiger was playing things safe, and had many long putts on the day, yet on 16 the 19′ foot putt he needed to birdie and take a commanding lead seemed downright improbable.  Yet, Tiger delivered the needed put to go one stroke ahead of Mahan and eventually take the tournament with an adoring American veteran crowd and scads of children watching on.  (free entry for kids and vets at the event - thanks to Tiger hosting the whole deal).

Sometimes I feel like certain things in ministry are like that 19′ putt.  What I mean is that there have been times in my ministry where things looked impossible.  As a pastor you are challenged with one or two or multiple 19′ putts right now.  Again, in my case I attend a church that has a few 19′ putts to make in terms of how we’ll effectively reach our community for Jesus, how we go about making genuine/authentic disciples, what to do with Sunday nights, and so on.  All I know is that on this Monday morning I serve a God of infinite strength and wisdom who comforts us in the face of ministerial 19′ putts!  He is the God if possibility.  So, my solution today for the 19′ ministry putt is to simply rest in the God of impossibilities and continue to pray and work towards the vision He’s given you for the task He’s called you to.

The 19-footer is there, it can be made, we must trust Him this day.

Matt - Solutions