Opportunity. That’s what my new boss calls problems or challenges in life. The cynical me thinks it is pretty cheesy. I even joke with him about it by referring to difficult issues that arise in the office as: OPPORTUNITIES–said with fake enthusiasm and a big plastic grin!
But I have to admit that there is something to thinking about life from a more positive perspective. Despite many “OPPORTUNITIES” in our life this past month (and, let’s face it, practically always), God continues to show us how He can provide for and sustain us. Sometimes he uses friends and family; sometimes He brings about some unimagined circumstance, and sometimes He just provides you with the mental, emotional, and spiritual stamina needed to maintain an even keel through what’s seems a storm of life. Most of the time in my life, I have managed to come around to resting in God’s grace through difficult circumstances, but it really does make things much more peaceful to remember that grace at the start of a challenge by thinking of it as an opportunity for God to show His grace and glory to me and to those around me.
Psalm 73:28
But as for me, the nearness of God is my good;
I have made the Lord GOD my refuge,
That I may tell of all Your works.
Hebrews 10:22
Let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.
James 1:2-8
Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
Jennifer, this is such a wonderful encouragement and a reminder of how we need to guard our attitudes all the time. It would not hurt to repost it in the future. Thanks for taking the time!
I haven’t checked up on you here (you know outside of FB) in a while but was wondering what you guys were up to.
The “opportunity” comment reminded me of something my triathlon coach says. There are 3 disciplines in triathlon, swimming biking and running and while we refer to our weakest leg as our weakest leg she refers to it as our “area of greatest potential”! That’s an optimist for you!
Here’s to growing through all the opportunities the Lord blesses you with!