Opportunity Revealed Through Problems

Opportunity Revealed Through Problems
Jonathan A. Buckland


Acts 6:1-8

Leadership is one of those interesting gifts that many are rarely neutral about. Throughout my years in leadership I have discovered how fickle people can become with leadership. When you are leading the team and your mounting up win’s and motivation is at a high level and volunteers are pumping on all cylinders it appears that the sky is the limit. It is in the seasons of leadership when you are feeling invincible that you feel leadership is the greatest joy in life, but as sure as there are moments when things are going wonderful, inevitably around the corner a problem will either A. slowly arise or B. come out of nowhere. Problems threaten every amount of traction that you have gained up to that moment in your organization. We have probably heard the saying before which goes like this, “Leadership would be great if there were not people involved.” You can’t remove the aspect of dealing with people in leadership. Whenever you have people involved you will always have problems that must be dealt with or else they will destroy everything that has been accomplished and derail you from the vision of what could be done.

Looking at the story of the first church in the book of Acts we find that the early church did not start off slowly and discreetly, but rather started off with a bang. The first message that Peter preached we discover resulted in a growth from 120 people into 3,000 people in a matter of a few hours. Things were popping and excitement was in the air. We even find that a boldness came upon the leaders of the church, partly because of what God had done, but I can’t help but think of the type A personality bleeding through as well for they were feeling pretty confident that they were going to take over the world. As we soon discover, things go from wonderful to tense very quickly when problems started to arise. The massive revival and explosive growth that the church had experienced was now at a crucial moment that would define their future forever. The church was at a major crossroads. I am convinced that we all can look at our stories and find similar moments that define our leadership. A true leader will not run when they encounter a problem, but rather will view a problem as an unprecedented opportunity! Here are a few observations that I have found in how the church leaders dealt with their problem in Acts 6.

1. They didn’t pretend that there wasn’t a problem, but rather defined what the problem was and who the players in the problem were. Many organizations can never move past their problem because they are not willing to define the issue and even more so not willing to admit who the players in the problem are.
2. They built a team of disciples to take the problem head on. They understood that the problem, if not dealt with properly would make the entire organization lose their focus, so they built a team to help them define the problem and be proactive in solving the problem. One senior leader can deal with many problems, but there is wisdom in a multitude of counselors. Team building to find answers to problems will always bring creative results.
3. They were wise in their delegating. The leaders of the church did not delegate a task to people that were not able to handle the task, but rather they chose people selectively that could rise to the challenge at hand. If we delegate the task of problem solving to the wrong people the problem will grow, not diminish.
4. Together as a team they found consensus and prayed and appointed the problem solvers in the open. Nothing will hinder progress like giving a task to someone to complete but not giving him or her the authority to complete the task.
5. We find the result at the end of the problem – The Word of God grew and the amount of conversions increased and obedience to the vision became the standard.

The early church turned a major problem into an opportunity for growth. What struggles are we facing at this moment? Have you allowed the problem that is looking at you to cause stunted growth in your organization? Are you scared to admit that there might be a problem? Maybe you have been trying to take on problems by yourself instead of building teams around your problems. Problems will define us one way or another. We can allow our problems to deter us from our dreams, or we can find opportunity in the midst of our problem.

Value in Environment

In the beginning God created…. The power of the message of scripture is the power of story. The story bleeds with creativity, which pulls the reader into the vision of God. Humankind was birthed out of creativity. The crowning moment of the creative week was for God to create mankind in the likeness of His image, but before God could create His purpose He had to create the environment for the purpose to survive and thrive within. There has been a surge of discussion within the body of Christ to define the purpose that we have on this earth. Although I am encouraged by all of the discussion on defining our purpose, we must not approach our purpose with such raw tenacity that we trample and discredit the value that God placed upon the environment that was created on the journey to purpose. Mankind can’t survive outside of the proper environment. The human body requires oxygen to breathe, so therefore in the foreknowledge of God He had to create the air for man to breathe. Mankind can’t survive without water, so God created the ocean and streams to provide for the physical necessity of his purpose. Mankind could not survive without food that would supply sustenance to mankind, so out of this necessity God created the beautiful environment called the Garden of Eden, which would provide fruit and vegetables plentifully for the sustenance of mankind. When we understand the process of God, we begin to realize that God does not have a singular focus upon Purpose, but values the journey on the road to His purpose. The Purpose of God was to create Man, but it required the creative hand of God to form the environment for His purpose to not only survive but rather thrive.

Many churches are so focused upon their purpose, that they forget the value of the creative environment for the purpose (souls added to the kingdom) to thrive. God invested five complete days to prepare and create the environment for what would be birthed in one day, mankind! Although focusing on the purpose is valuable, we must not undervalue the creative capital that is required to allow our purpose to survive. Have you ever stopped to ask yourself this question, What if God graced us with attaining our purpose tomorrow, would the environment that we have right now not only sustain our vision, but allow our purpose to thrive?

Before a child is born into a family there is a natural inclination within an expectant mother called nesting. The nesting instinct is not the purpose of pregnancy, but it plays a vital role in the success of a child. The nesting instinct of the mother is to make sure that the environment of the home is in correct balance for the new baby to thrive. What should happen is that we, as the bride of Christ, should be allowing our ‘spiritual nesting’ instinct to be in full force as we strive to create the environment for where God is trying to take us. Until we realize that what we do today will create the environment for tomorrow, we will never understand why our purpose is never fulfilled. It could be that our purpose never materializes completely because we have not invested the proper time and creative capital to perfect the environment for our purpose to thrive. It is naïve to think that purpose is more important than environment seeing that purpose will not survive without proper environment.
Continue dreaming…….but do not neglect the creativity that God has placed within you to create the environment for your dream to become reality. JAB

A Choice - to Cross or not to Cross?

The evening was perfect. The nervous excitement and anticipation of this event had been played out in my thoughts over and over again until it became a repetition that lived in my mind. I had saved, I had invested, I had dreamed, I had planned…..the outcome of my future would be dependant on this one night and what would happen. I had done what I could and now I was ready to see what would happen. For something of this magnitude the setting would need to be perfect. It must have been something subconscious at the time, because I really did not realize what my future would ultimately hold, but the choice could only be one place, The Charles Bridge in the heart of Prague, this is where I had to propose to my future bride! Thankfully the answer was yes which set in motion a journey that would change my life forever.

It is true, I proposed to Jessica on the Charles Bridge somewhere about halfway out between old Prague and what was once known as the new Prague. The Charles Bridge used to be the only thing that would span the mighty Vltava River and unite the Prague Castle and the Old Town into the newer parts of the city. Of course now when you visit it all appears so old, yet there is a mystique to everything. The Charles Bridge at one time connected the possibilities of peasants and noblemen to cross over into a whole new world. Throngs of people would use this route to open up new doors of opportunity; today things are not much different. The Charles Bridge is one of the top tourist destinations in the entire city because of it’s natural beauty, but also because of the hopes and dreams of the vendors that have chosen this location to peddle their talents, hoping that this bridge will open up a new door in their life and possibly take them into the annals of history with notoriety and fame!

You see, a bridge is beautiful, not only because of what it represents architecturally, but also because of what it represents mentally as well as spiritually! Wherever a bridge exists today reminds us that in the past someone had to overcome an obstacle that they felt was worthy enough to cross over. That could be a river, an ocean, a huge ravine or gully! Whatever it may be something in the heart of the bridge maker realized that if there was just a way to get to the other side new doors could be opened. Therefore a bridge represents a transitional point. You have a choice to either stay on the same side and never cross, or you can explore places and discover dreams that were unreachable before. This is why subconsciously I feel that I chose a bridge to ask the biggest question of my life, because it was a transitional moment in my existence! Little did I realize at the time that I would be dedicating my life to planting The Bridge Church, thereby making my life’s motivation and passion of creating a bridge to new possibilities in people’s lives a reality.

I awake every morning emboldened by the possibility of what a bridge represents! You may think that it sounds so strange to be so enamored with thoughts of a bridge, yet I don’t think so. You see, Christ’s whole mission on this earth was one of bridge building. The cross was nothing more than a bridge. The bridge which the cross represented was a way for the natural man to connect with the supernatural. The bridge of the cross represented a way that had been blocked for the carnal man to enter into relationship with a loving God. You see, a way was paved and a bridge was built that represented years of frustration, but because Christ was willing to create a bridge that would give humanity a choice to either stay on the same side of comfort that slowly deadens the soul or cross over into a whole new world, we now can live in a whole new dimension of life.

Wow! Has my life changed since that day just a little over 8 years ago…… but yet at the same time things have never changed. There is still the exhilaration of the possibility of what bridge building can represent in to humanity! I choose to build bridges rather than destroy the. Whenever I am given the choice of staying who I am based on familiarity or comfort, I choose rather to cross the bridge into the unknown to explore a new world that is waiting to be discovered!

Trusting Truth

The questions have been arising and building momentum. It is almost as if a wave of great magnitude is about to slam against the shore of the church. It would be naive to say that change is not prevalent in the church. In the midst of a turbulent world of shifting paradigms, it is incredible to realize that we can trust and place our belief in the Word of God. A scripture comes to mind when I think of this generational rising with all of the questions and all of the concern that is legitimate as well as irrelevant. The scripture says in Psalm100:5 For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations. KJV It is very apparent to me that we can trust truth, for the word of God promises that truth will endure in every generation. That is why I can place my faith in the next generation..... my generation. I do not become concerned with my contemporaries because I believe that God is raising a generation that is uniquely equipped and prepared to reach their world. Are there some that have erred from the truth, absolutely. Are there some that have made mistakes, yes, but what generation has not had casualties. I trust truth and so therefore I realize that when people are placed in the crucible of life they will come through as pure gold! They will come through being the authentic people that God has called for them to be. When we can sit back and begin to dig through the questions that we have, we can trust that God's Truth will reveal itself! My generation desires open communication. My generation is not arrogant in thinking that they have all the answers, but they realize that culture has shifted and they passionately desire to allow truth to present itself to their generation. There is a cry for truth to be spoken and lived out effectively in this world! One of the most powerful things to note about the scriptures is that it effectively ministers to every age demographic, this happens simply because the Word of God is more than just pen on paper, but it is living and transformational! I believe my generation will effectively steer through the turbulent waters and find themselves in the greatest moments in the church's history! Dream! Cast Vision! Allow God to expand your imagination! Think God thoughts! Don't allow fear to hinder you and steal your God given dreams! Imagine what would have happened if the Apostle Paul would have allowed fear to rule his actions. He would have never left his Damascus road encounter to meet Ananias. He would have never gone to the Gentile world and opened up the door of new ministry possibilities! There were those that had problems with what Paul was doing with the Gentiles, but at the end of the day God proved himself strong. Before we cast judgement, lets remember to trust truth and realize that labels and assumptions cause more division than unity. The scriptures teach that we will know someone by their fruits! I choose to believe that the fruits of this generation will present Truth untainted to a generation that is longing for the truth to reveal itself to them.

Cause and Effect

There is a need for clear articulation surrounding the Cause of Christ in America. The simple fact of the matter is, we can not expect to effect our world unless first we clearly articulate the cause. Cause will always precede Effect. Therefore, if we are unable to clearly identify and personalize the cause then the effect will be scattered at best. The scriptures tell us of David in Acts 19:36 that he served his own generation by the will of God. If there is something that is lacking today it is our ability to serve our "own generation." There are clearly generational differences among us, but I believe if the cause is great enough, then the Lord will allow those to arise that can serve their generation, but first the cause must be stated! Look at the life of David, he was emboldened by the the Cause! He asked as a young man, " Is There Not A Cause?" Whenever he veered off course, the Cause would bring him back, and therefore the effect of his life was one that served His generation by the will of God. We also find in the life of Esther the statement. " I Have Come For Such A Time As This!" Again, Esther was filled with Passion towards the Cause. The Cause clearly gave Esther purpose.

Everyone wants the results without first understanding the cause! The cry of this generation is the desperate scream for a clearly articulated cause. The cause must be greater than, This is how it has always been done, or Do this because it is right. My friend, if we truly believe that the Hope for this World is the Cause of Christ, then we must unleash our creativity and articulate the cause to our generation! Until we do this the effect will be minimal at best! The cause will bring purpose! The cause will bring passion! The cause will bring sacrifice! The cause will build momentum! The cause will carry through the difficult times! This generation is desperately wanting to commit to a cause, but it must be a cause worthy of dedicating ones life to. Unfortunately many of the causes we promote are nothing more than mediocre at best. The most powerful cause must outlive us, but many of our causes are not even large enough to outlive us. We must pray for a vision that is greater than us!

I desire nothing more than to effect this generation by serving them by the will of God! The Cause of Christ is what wakes me up in the morning. The Cause of Christ is what carries me! If I had a prayer, it would be that we would all fall in love with Cause again!

Administering Grace

I am currently reading a book by Eric Geiger entitled, Identity. I would recommend the book to anyone that wants to do a study on our identity in Christ. One portion strongly stood out to me and I want to share it with everyone. -

Identity by Eric Geiger- page 114- 1 Peter 4:10-11 NIV Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To Him be glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

While God's grace is administered through His servants, His grace is administered in various forms. Because we are different, with unique spiritual gifts, God's mercy is expressed in a variety of ways.

One weekend I taught this principle to the people in our church. I emphasized that God's grace is like water: purifying and refreshing. And we are honored to administer His grace. To illustrate a myriad of water dispensers were placed on the platform.

Perhaps God has gifted you to be a sprinkler. You spread God's grace to a lot of people in small ways. Perhaps God has gifted you to be a water pot. You nurture a group of people over time. Or maybe God has gifted you to be a pitcher. You refresh people with hospitality and tangible acts of service. Perhaps God has gifted you to be a pressure cleaner. You bring change and leadership into situations that need a fresh touch of God's grace. Maybe God has gifted you to be a dropper. You think your contribution is small, but your contribution is essential.

Performance or Relationship?

I must admit, I have a chronic disease that I am working through. Unfortunately my normal state of being is stuck in a performance based world, but the Lord is helping me to overcome and enter in to a more healthy lifestyle that is based on relationship. When you step back from everything for a moment you realize that we really do not believe that we are human beings, but rather human doings? We convince ourselves that we are what we do, but there is a much deeper level to life which delves into the depths of our being. Everything we are and everything we do flows from our being. That is why the most beneficial thing that I can do for myself is work on who I am as an individual.

I have met far to many people that have focused all of their energies on being accepted by some sort of specific crowd by constantly doing and trying to achieve, while in the process they have focused on the external and not the internal. When we do this we enter into an invisible cage of other peoples thoughts, expectations, and requirements. A powerful scripture that has been speaking to me is Ephesians 1:6 which says, "To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved." I am accepted in the family of Christ, not because of my doings or my status among men, but because of my relationship with Christ. I can accomplish many religious goals and fill my day with great causes and tasks, but if this is done at the expense of my relationship with Him what have I truly gained! I am accepted therefore, not because of who I am, but because of who He is! The scripture says in Ephesians 2:8-9, "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God; Not of works, lest any man should boast."

So, if my works do not save me, why do I get caught up in a performance based world trying to achieve grace or acceptance? One of the greatest lessons to learn is that I am what I am because of my relationship with Him. If I would focus more on the concept of "human being" as opposed to "human doing" I believe that what would flow out of us would be significant. Human doings focus on trying to accomplish the Gifts of the Spirit, whereas Human beings focus on manifesting the Fruits of the Spirit. I heard Bro. Terry Shock mention something that brought my focus back in to alignment, he said, "What our gifts will draw, our lack of fruit will repel!"

I am a pilgrim in progress trying to move from a performance based value system into a relational value system!