When Opportunity Knocks

I don't believe that opportunity happens by coincidence. Just the opposite in fact, I think that every opportunity is laid divinely before you by a Father who has a well thought out plan for your life. I am currently reading through the book of Genesis. Right now, I'm venturing though the story of Joseph. While reading about Joseph's roller coaster of a journey to leadership, the Holy Spirit placed this formula on my heart.

God's favor + our obedience = opportunities

For the last three years, we've simply been obedient to the Lord's leading. I don't say this to brag, but only to offer proof that God does open doors of opportunity for his children. I'm sure my husband has felt a lot like Joseph over the past few years. Brian is a faithful follower of Christ. He's extremely loyal to his core and has outstanding character, especially his work ethic. God has laid a vision on his heart to lead a Holy Spirit-filled church in a small town. He has relentlessly pursued the credentials to be prepared when God calls him, along with holding down a full-time job and being an engaging husband and dad. He's weathering the storm right now as God continues to prepare him for his next great adventure of faith. I compare his story with Joseph's.

God had given Joseph a vision of leadership. Jealousy aroused from his brothers and long story short, he was sold into slavery. God's flavor was upon Joseph wherever he was and in all that he did. Whether he was a servant, a prisoner, or second in command, God's favor plus Joseph's obedience led to many opportunities for leadership. However, what really intrigues me is that every opportunity was born out of disappointment. I'm sure Joseph's vision to leadership didn't include being sold, becoming a foreigner, then gaining power, only to lose it because of a lie which landed him in prison for several years.

I say all of this to say, God is at work in your life. I've found that when disappointment is on one side of the door, opportunity is on the other when we walk with the Lord. The thing that set Joseph apart was his God. The thing that sets you apart is your God. Genesis 39: 2-4 says, "The Lord was with Joseph so that he prospered, and he lived in the house of the Egyptian master. When his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord gave him success in everything he did, Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant." This exact thing happened to Joseph several times because he was faithful to God. I don't know what your prosperity will look like, but the Lord is with you and his favor will open up opportunity. He is equipping you to do the good works that he prepared in advance for you to do! (Ephesians 2:10) Because we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him and are called according to his purpose! (Romans 8:28) You've been called, prepared in advance, and walk in the power of the Lord! Don't let life's disappointments discourage you because on the other side is God's favor poured out! Take comfort in who he says he is and who he created you to be!

Answer the door, it's opportunity!

Until the whole world hears,
Emily