St. Louis Family Church – Pastor Jeff Perry » Blog Archive Understand the Times - St. Louis Family Church

Encouragement to respond to God’s call and immerse yourself in His Word and allow it to be a major force and guidance in your life. Key Bible verses: Isaiah 60; John 1; Proverbs 4:13-19

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Obstacles and Opportunities

For a wide door for effective service has opened to me [Paul], and there are many adversaries. 1 Corinthians 16:9

1. WALK THROUGH THE OPEN DOOR. Opportunities are often disguised by obstacles. With every promise there will be inherent challenges and problems. Paul knew he was going to have challenges, but he kept forging ahead anyway. Instead of shrinking back or hesitating, we must seek God about what opportunity He has for us in the midst of difficulty.

Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving; praying at the same time for us as well, that God will open up to us a door for the word. Colossians 4:2-3a

2. PRAY WITH THANKSGIVING. Gratitude will help us stay out of self-pity. It will keep us out of the “poor me” club. It will help us to stay buoyant and on the cutting edge of where God wants us to be. As we rouse ourselves with prayer and thanksgiving, we will be bold and have courage to walk through the open door!

“I know your deeds. Behold, I have put before you an open door which no one can shut, because you have a little power, and have kept My word, and have not denied My name.” Revelation 3:8

3. FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT OF FAITH. Some of the greatest miracles in my life have happened in the context of crisis and trial. Even if you feel like you only have a “little power” and are just plodding along, keep pressing on. God wants to open a door that no one can shut. That’s why we must not get so caught up in the obstacles that we miss the opportunities. As you live your life in the Word and keep your eyes on Jesus, you will be ready to seize the many amazing moments God has ahead for you.

Press on,
Pastor Jeff

DAILY CONFESSION
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I stay on the alert, I stand firm in the faith, strong—and I let all that I do be done in love (1 Corinthians 16:13-14). And God is opening a door of opportunity for me that no one can shut!

op·por·tu·ni·ty, noun
A favorable or advantageous circumstance or combination of circumstances. A chance for progress or advancement.

Copyright © 2020 St. Louis Family Church. All rights reserved. No part of this article may be reprinted or distributed in any form without prior written permission of St. Louis Family Church. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references are from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. “Opportunity.” The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition copyright © 2017 by Houghton.

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