Why can a church planter come into a community and begin a ministry that reaches new people and changes lives … in the same area where other churches have struggled for years? The potential was apparently there, but the established churches somehow didn't see it or connect with it.

Scripture speaks often of having eyes to see, but not seeing, and having ears to hear, but not hearing. As you face obstacles in your life and ministry, remind yourself that there are often answers outside your present perspective—answers that provide new opportunities, if you can see them.

To help me with this constant challenge of seeing and hearing new possibilities, I like to recall the true story set high in the Colorado mountains …

"GOLD! GOLD!" were the shouts echoing through the hills near the town of Leadville, Colorado during the 1860's. The country was in the midst of the gold rush, and men by the thousands searched for their fortunes in the bottom of their panning tins. But sixteen ...