Opportunity and Opposition

Reading:  1 Corinthians 16; Proverbs 30

8 In the meantime, I will be staying here at Ephesus until the Festival of Pentecost. 9 There is a wide-open door for a great work here, and many people are responding.  But there are many who oppose me. (1 Corinthians 16:8-9 NLT)

Paul was such a mature and committed Christ follower! He made his decisions based on what he perceived to be God’s specific will and on the opportunity for effective work. He never decided on the basis of personal preference or his own comfort or convenience. And he realized that opportunity and opposition are often traveling companions.

This is a real challenge for me, friends! I want things to be clear and uncomplicated. If there is a great opportunity, then I want it all to be green lights and open roads. In the real world, great opportunity is often accompanied by great challenges, obstacles, and opposition.

How about you? Got some opportunities that come with accompanying obstacles and opposition? Let’s embrace the opportunities with enthusiasm and face the obstacles with determination!

Prayer:

Father, I needed this reminder today. I see great opportunities ahead, but I spend too much time and energy wishing the obstacles and opposition would simply disappear. Help me face the opposition with the same enthusiasm I embrace the opportunities. Amen.