Opposed Opportunity – March 31, 2009

Opposed Opportunity

1 Corinthians 16:8-9

Jim Stephens

03-31-09

 

Scripture:

 

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)

 

Observation:

 

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

 

Application:

 

This is a challenge for me.  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.

 

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 obstacles and the opposition with the same enthusiasm I embrace the opportunities.  Amen.