Have you ever heard of Charles Swindoll’s quote, “We are all faced with a series of great opportunities brilliantly disguised as impossible situations”? As a business owner, it seems there is always an opportunity that we need to discern whether to take advantage of or pass up.
How should we even start to make the decision to go forward or not with a new opportunity? As the quote states, opportunities are disguised as impossible situations. So the first step is to actually notice that there is an opportunity in our crisis. Is there a solution to the challenge that will serve more people? If so, are we willing to take appropriate action?
After we notice the opportunity, the next step is to ask God for wisdom to determine what He wants us to do with the opportunity. If we don’t hear an answer right away, we could determine what are the chances for success and failure. In order to answer that question, we need to answer more questions. Here are just a few to think about:
- Is this something I’ve been praying for? This opportunity could be an answer to prayers.
- Is this something I would be committed to? This opportunity could take a lot of your time, money, and energy.
- Is this something I’m already prepared to do? This opportunity requires skills, experience, and knowledge that you already have.
- Is this something that is aligned with my values and priorities? This opportunity is a good fit for my season of life.
After getting a better idea of the chances for success, are we still willing to move forward? Another step is to ask wise counsel what they think of the opportunity. Do they see something we haven’t?
Is our faith stronger than our fear so that we can accept the uncertainties? All opportunities involve dependence on God. As we make our decision, do we have the peace that only our Heavenly Father can give?
Those are a lot of questions but the answers should help with whether the opportunity is something worth taking. I’ll be deciding on an opportunity this fall when the company I’m with will be adding a new Fintech product. If you would like to join me in this process, let me know.
Prayer
Dear God in heaven,
Thank You for the many opportunities You give us for personal and spiritual growth. Help us to discern which opportunities to take and which to pass. May these divine appointments give us time to serve others and glorify You.
In Your Son’s name, Amen
Verses
1 Corinthians 16:9 There is a real opportunity here for great and worthwhile work, even though there are many opponents
Ephesians 5:16 Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days
James 1:5 If you need wisdom, ask our generous God and He will give it to you
Matthew 7:7 Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened for you
Colossians 3:23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord
Ephesians 2:10 We are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do
Galatians 6:10 Whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone
Proverbs 15:22 Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many adviser bring success
Isaiah 41:10 Do not fear, I am with you; don’t be discouraged, I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you
Jeremiah 17:7 Blessed is the person who trusts in the Lord and whose confidence is in the Lord
Philippians 4:7 The peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus
Song
“Dare You To Move“ by Switchfoot is a challenge for everyone to step out of their routine and into the unknown.
Call to Action
If you have already prayed, looked up the verses in your Bible, and listened to the suggested song, then read the story in Luke 10:25-37 about three men who were given an opportunity to do good and what they decided to do about it or if you prefer to listen to a podcast: #171 Get The Jump On Business Risks.