Enough... And Yet, Not Quite

I think we've all been here. You find yourself in situations and circumstances; places of decision or at least, decisions on the horizon... you are trying to figure things out and you look at time, resources and finances all while thinking, this should work.

On paper, we should be okay. It looks like it will be okay. It will be challenging, but seriously, this should work. Upon execution though... this doesn't seem to be working. What's missing? What's is going on or happening that is wrong, that is causing this to feel like it is not quite working... as it seems on paper, it should.

It's not always a matter of contentment either, as in we need more for the mere sake of we don't have enough.  Life does get to a place where "almost" doesn't quite cover all the bases and what you have has reached the end of its ability to stretch... or so it seems.

The planning; the strategizing, the conversation... for all the details and you find yourself scratching your head thinking... "I don't know what to do."

It happens across the board when it comes to life. For long term decisions. For short term planning. And I understand, sometimes you just have to step out and see what works and what doesn't and if it requires you to come back to the table and re-evaluate, then that's what you have to do. The list of things for which people had to go back to the drawing board, because of the gap between the plan on paper and the implementation of the plan with tools and resources in hand would require it's own library to house the volume of books.

Consider the great Thomas Edison... who thanks to the internet, who knows what the actual number is in this quote...

"We now know 1,000 ways NOT to make a light bulb." Along the way to finding the solution, he and team found plenty of ideas and plans and implementation of plans that ended up being the exact opposite of a working solution. (I know... how much of a solution can it be, if it doesn't work?) Well, used an an example of what NOT to do, the solutions that didn't work, did bring clarity and direction to the project, as ultimately, they figured it out.

I pondered these thoughts yesterday, as I considered the decisions of pastors... short-term game; long-term plans. The frustration of "why isn't this working quite right" gets intense after a period of time (and not a long one at that) And if it's bothersome in everyday life, on personal matters as well as in business; how much more on plans that impact eternity?

Pray with me, this #associatePastorTuesday, for pastors facing challenging decisions; for circumstances where the plan and it's implementation are not coming together as it seems they should. For those that can't figure out what is amiss; for what things may need to be changed; if there is a lack of resources, skills or funding... may God grant to them wisdom and insight as to how they should proceed. Regardless of the severity of the matter, may their be a peace and patience as they walk through the process. May their be a calming of the hearts and minds as conversations take place and the work ensues; that God holds everything in His hand and that He is and will provide for all they have need of. May they remain steadfast in placing their trust in Him; in seeking His face; confident in the provision from the hand of Almighty, Father God.

Enough... for He is all we need.
For His glory and honor, we pray.

- PNC

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