Last week’s election results were historic. John Boehner’s teary-eyed victory speech was very appropriate because he had just observed a modern day miracle. Boehner lives in the world of political reality. He is not a wimp. He is rough and tumble, professional politician. Nonetheless, his heart was moved by the surprising change in the nation’s political cycle. The 60 seat congressional swing in favor of the GOP, along with 17 state legislatures changing from Democratic to Republican, has definitely been a loud statement of displeasure by the American people. Just as surely as the nation voted to give President Barack Obama a chance to bring change in 2008, the midterm vote clearly repudiated both the priorities and tactics of the administration.  

Yes, the vote was salted with impatience. Yes, the administration could have communicated a little better. Yet, truly great communication starts with empathy and listening. The greatest question in the post election season is, “Do Washington insiders of either party truly hear what the people are saying?”  I see signs of both parties misreading the message that the electorate is sending. Unfortunately in this article I only have time to address the Democratic Party’s foibles.

God has crowned man with glory and favor, giving him dominion over the works of His hands.

When I first began my ministry, I was scared. In those days, women were not as widely accepted in the pulpit as they are today. Afraid of being rejected, I bent over backward to behave in the way I thought would please people. The only problem was that I was trying to earn approval, and it didn't work.

At the time, I knew nothing about supernatural favor. I didn't realize that favor is a part of grace. In fact, in the New Testament the words grace and favor both are translated from the Greek word charis.

Problems are filled with disguised opportunities. They are designed to cause us to grow. Opportunities are there to help us become stronger and equip us to take on our next challenge.

Ray Kroc turned his problems into a global success. Kroc partnered with the founders of McDonald's restaurants in 1954.  The finances caused the business to appear successful. Yet, Kroc recognized a problem. The founding brothers wanted to continue business with a small number of restaurants. Kroc saw the potential that was being missed.

Kroc solved the dilemma by discovering a hidden opportunity within the problem of limited restaurants.  He decided to turn a small number of financially successful restaurants into a huge franchise. Later, the business would become the global giant named McDonald's Corporation.

What opportunities are hidden within your problems? Is there a limitation? Is there a potential that is being missed? Are you looking for the opportunities in the midst of your problems?