As I pondered the start of a new year I think about the word opportunity. When I think about opportunity, I also think about goals and plans, what do I want to accomplish, what changes do I want to make in me and in my life. This line of thinking quickly leads me to think about my purpose and direction. So what is an opportunity? It is a possibility to do something, change something, be something. It is a word that represents the possibility of change, the possibility of moving through an open door to grow and become who God created you to be, to fulfill your purpose and your destiny. When it is God who opens a door, He is providing a path to accomplish His purpose in your life. The way He leads may not be easy or the most appealing at times but He will not lead us somewhere then leave us there. To trust God is to believe that Wherever He guides, He provides.
So my encourage to you is to trust God’s way and look for the doors He opens. Many times an open door from God is one that allows our faith to be stretched and strengthened. Keep in mind thought that just because an opportunity presents itself and it looks appealing it doesn’t necessarily mean it is from God. And likewise, just because an open door looks a little uncertain, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t walk through it.
The key is knowing how to discern if an opportunity is an open door provided by God. If you are uneasy, restless, feeling disconnected, it’s a good indication that you are in a space of challenge and growth and need to spend time in discernment to determine if it’s from God. Pray, seek counsel, operate in a wise mindset to help guide you. Take time to understand the opportunity and who is providing it and for what purpose. If it’s from God it will be for your good and the good of others not just one or the other.
God allows us the amazing opportunity of choice. Choice is the gift! God, in His great love, allowed us free will outside of His will. He blessed us with tremendous capacity thus responsibility.
My prayer for you is that you accept this tremendous gift with great care and look at each opportunity you face with great intention and wisdom. Remember, other people can’t keep you out of your purpose; obstacles can’t keep you from what God has ordained for you.
After all, “God opens doors that no man can shut, and no man can open“ Revelations 3:7.
Tundi M. Jones, MA, LPC