OPPORTUNITIES
September 7, 2023 - Random Thoughts from one who is simply learning to love Jesus -
This past Sunday as we were driving down to see our friend Dennis, I was doing a lot of thinking. Two hours RT provides you with a lot of time to "ponder". I asked Steve, "How does one become bold & courageous.......how does one become patient.......how does one become kind and compassionate.......how does one learn to become an advocate for others, how does one become an overcomer and how does one learn to love like Jesus"?? Steve knew, but he let me answer my own questions.
I told him that you learn ALL those things by staying at the feet of Jesus and RECOGNIZING that all the trials and troubles that we face in our personal lives are merely "opportunities". Those opportunities teach and train us in how to be ALL those things mentioned above. When we have persevered and overcome then we are able to demonstrate to others what we have come to know and believe in our hearts. That Jesus IS who He says he is. He IS an amazing Father and they should get to know him.
You can't be bold and courageous in the midst of adversity if you're running from what scares you or makes you feel uncomfortable. We all pray for patience, but how many of us recognize the opportunities to "be patient" with others or patient in overwhelming circumstances.
Does it ever cross our minds to simply say, "Father, I am scared, worried, impatient (or whatever) today. I need your help to learn what it is that you are trying to teach me in this circumstance that I am currently facing. Help me not to run. Help me to ask you for clarity about what is going on. Help me to go to your Word before I react. Help me to repent if needed".
I am learning that OPPORTUNITIES are one of the key ways in which we grow as a Christian. First, we have to RECOGNIZE the opportunities. However, if you are like me, we all tend to run through life completely unaware that God is trying to teach us and to train us to be valuable and useful vessels in the kingdom of God. The life that we have been given is NOT about us. It is ALL about God. How can we reach the masses if we ourselves will not submit to God and let him teach and train us through whatever it is that we are facing? God NEVER wastes a hurt. Learn from it. Grow through it, but never run from the opportunity.
During the last few weeks, God has been training me in the area of patience, love, kindness, perseverance and now what it means to be an advocate. When you shift your mindset and see your "opportunities" as something that God is using to bring others into a personal relationship with him, EVERYTHING changes. Your faith increases, your hope grows, you're not afraid anymore, you get a little more bold and courageous etc.
My life verse, and what I think applies here, is Genesis 50:20NIV which reads - "You (satan) intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives". Whatever is going on in your life right now, see it as an OPPORTUNITY to grow and be a testimony unto God's redemptive power. Psalm 103:2-4
