Solving problems part 2

We all have problems.

Next to the Law of Gravity, one of the most inescapable universal truths is undoubtedly Murphy's Law: "If anything can go wrong, it will -- and at the worst possible moment."

A wide-ranging set of principles and corollaries have sprung up that make Murphy look like an optimist. When the Murphologists began looking at the church, here were some of their observations:

The year's lowest attendance occurs when the district superintendent makes a surprise visit.

Members living 15 miles away will be 15 minutes early; members living two blocks away will be 15 minutes late.

Film projectors work only before the service begins (we might update that with power point presentations).

When all five points of the sermon begin with the same letter, people don't even remember the letter.

Saying "Let us pray" or singing "Just As I Am" causes babies to cry.

When you're right, nobody remembers; when you're wrong, nobody forgets.

The previous pastor is to blame for everything wrong in the church -- until his successor leaves.

Nothing is so bad that it can't be made worse by changing pastors.

The shorter the agenda the longer the meeting.

No matter how many show up for choir practice, you need one more copy of the music.

Arguments for tabling a motion are always better than those for taking a vote.

Church furnaces and air conditioners rest on Sunday.

Absent choir members all sing the same part.

Concern for needy people increases with distance.

Car problems, overtime traffic, and sick headaches increase on visitation night.

Door-to-door visitation is most enjoyed when no one is home.

None of us really care to face our problems. To do so might mean confrontation, exposing some weakness in ourselves or others, time and even sacrifice.

Yet problems are to be faced - head on.

The longer we delay facing a problem, the bigger it will get.

Some people try to flee problems.

Others try to forget about them.

Others still try to fight them. They resist, but the problems still persist.

And finally some face them. They look at the problem realistically.

Another suggestion is to evaluate the problem.

Some problems can be solved instantly. Others take time. To discern the timing of the solution comes from experience (success/failure) and prayer.

We can embrace obstacles as opportunities.

They can be wakeup calls for creativity.

One idea that is helpful to me is to think of people who have bigger problems. For every problem that I have - there is always somebody with a bigger problem.

When a friend gets cancer or loses a loved one, then we are reminded of how petty our issues are.

Seek counsel from a friend (mentors, coaches).
Write down possible solutions.
Determine the best three ways to solve the problem. There is generally more than one way to solve the problem.

Pray. Pray. Pray.

I'm continually encouraged by the Holy Spirit's work in our lives when we take a problem to him in prayer.

Come Holy Spirit, we need you!