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Where’s the OPPORTUNITY in This?
By
Steve Rogers
Paradox: the concept that two diametrically opposed
ideas are both true.
One paradox of life
is this: Every obstacle is also an
opportunity. These words are two sides
of the same coin. Many proverbs and
quotes express this idea. In 15 B.C.,
the Roman poet, Horace, said, “Adversity has the effect of eliciting talents
which, in prosperous circumstances, would have lain dormant.” Helen Keller observed, “Character cannot be
developed in ease and quiet. Only
through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened,
ambition inspired, and success achieved.”
In The Sound of Music, Maria sighed, “When the Lord closes a door,
somewhere He opens a window.” Warren
Wiersbe put it simply: “The bumps are what you climb on.” This concept comes straight from James
1:2-4: “Consider it a great joy, my
brothers, whenever you experience various trials, knowing that the testing of
your faith produces endurance. But
endurance must do its complete work, so that you may be mature and complete,
lacking nothing.” James says, in effect,
that the obstacle you have just encountered – that boulder in the middle of
life’s road – is there for your benefit.
You have the opportunity to develop more joy and patience. But it doesn't stop there. Your patience (or endurance) will serve to
make you fully mature, “lacking nothing.”
God will use that obstacle to sand off all of your rough edges - your
imperfections – and make you more like Him.
When that next
obstacle crash lands in your path, causing a delay or detour on your carefully
planned itinerary, perhaps God wants to take some heavenly sandpaper to some of
your rough edges for a little hands-on sanctifying. God has a destination for you. However, God is not so much interested in how
you get there, but what you are like when you finally arrive. So when that obstacle comes (and it will), instead
of getting frustrated, ask, Where’s the opportunity in this?
