Opportunities are not always as visible {to us} as we might want them to be. They sometimes appear in the form of things that we have an aversion to. Work, failure, trials and charity are perfect examples.
Work – The late American Advice columnist, Ann Landers (1918-2002), once said, “Opportunities are usually disguised as hard work, so most people don't recognize them.” Hard work is indispensible to success. It is an opportunity for you to determine the outcome of your life. Through your hard work, you will posses the power to determine your destiny. People that do not work lack the power to determine their destinies. It is rare for anyone to become successful in life without a positive work ethic.
Failure – Mary Pickford once said, “You may have a fresh start any moment you choose, for this thing that we call "failure" is not the falling down, but the staying down.” Yes, failure can be your opportunity for a fresh start. Whenever you fail you have an opportunity to start all over again. And when you start all over again after a failure, you have greater chances of success as you have with you new knowledge (about yourself and about the situation) that you can use to do things better.
Trials – In Romans 5:3-4, Paul notes that “suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope” (New International Version). Trials can be a remarkable opportunity for you to build your character. While your abilities may bring some success in life, only strong character can bring long-term success. As the saying goes, "Talents and charisma can take you to the top, but only character can keep you there." Your hope for success in life lies in strong character.
Charity – According to the bible, “it is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35, New King James Version). Giving is an opportunity to give and receive blessings at the same time. Through your giving you make yourself an agent of God, minister to Jesus and open a bank account with God. God then credits our accounts with blessings whenever we give. These blessings do not always appear immediately but always add to our long-term success. God has vowed to remain indebted to no one but to reward everyone according to what they deserve.
Romans 8:28 says [that], “All things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose” (New King James). Develop a positive attitude towards work, failure, trials and charity – any one of them may be an opportunity in disguise.
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1 comment:
Well said Ed. Was really helpful, your article.
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