Challenges to Opportunities

But I will stay on at Ephesus until Pentecost because a great door of effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me.

1 Corinthians 16:8-9

Most opportunities that come our way will bring with them challenges or pushback. In the closing chapter of the first letter Paul sent to the church in Corinth, he states, I need to delay my coming to you and stay in Ephesus a little longer. Then he explains why. He says, “…a great door of effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me.” This seems like a clear contradiction by speaking of opportunity and opposition in the same sentence.

Throughout 2021 our OMN theme has been OPPORTUNITY. We have declared this is the year for…“God-given moments in time to improve, initiate and influence.”

We have dreamed and believed for new vistas, new open doors, and new endeavors that would help us expand our reach, plant additional churches, and raise up new leaders. But in the midst of these pursuits, we have encountered moments of resistance or obstruction. With these realities, we must look to the Lord for wisdom and discernment. We must pray for guidance and favor to make sure that we walk through open doors and even see opposition as an opportunity.

In times of struggle, having a resilient spirit becomes an asset that seems to transform challenges into opportunities for growth.

Emily Madill, Author & Coach

This is the year of opportunities and open doors. However, don’t be discouraged or distracted if you also face challenges. At the end of the day, you will be stronger, smarter, and more successful. God goes before you and makes a way.

So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.

Hebrews 13:6