TURNING OBSTACLES TO OPPORTUNITIES

Read: PHILIPPIANS 1:12–26

Meditation verse:

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).

Locked up in a Roman prison and abandoned by friends, Paul had many reasons to become bitter or give up on life. He chose rather, to see his situation as an opportunity to accomplish his assignment. Realizing that what he did with his situation was more important than the situation itself, he preached the gospel to the palace guards. This led to their conversion and the encouragement of others who had been afraid to preach the word.

Albert Ellis was a renowned 20th Century American Psychologist who founded REBT, a therapy for emotionally disturbed patients. Ellis was the eldest of three children in a Jewish family. His father was frequently absent, and his mother was neglectful. His parents divorced during his childhood, and he was sent to school at the age of four. Ellis was expected to cross busy roads without adult assistance, to get to school. He was seriously ill for much of his childhood and was hospitalized for long periods with infrequent parental visits. Ellis responded to this neglect by reframing it as an opportunity to become independent. He formulated rules for effective living that were to act as a guide for the remainder of his life. Albert Ellis died at the age of ninety-four. He left behind a legacy in the form of a world-renowned Psychotherapy training institute and a collection of self-help books to help people get ahead in life despite their challenges.

Each time I looked back at a particularly difficult period in my life, I have seen God’s hand at work in the situation. I have therefore concluded that God works out all things for good. Your challenges can become opportunities for you to grow, develop character and guide your journey towards greater fulfilment. They can become stepping-stones to your victories. Don’t get consumed by an abusive or a fruitless marriage, a cheating spouse, death of a loved one, past failures or other unfortunate circumstance. Look that obstacle in the face and be determined to be the better for it. God’s power is available to back you up. Life is not made of straight victories, but of falls, stumbles, mistakes, and bruises.

In what ways can you turn your biggest challenge(s) into opportunities?

IN HIS PRESENCE is written by Oke Chinye

Have you accepted Jesus as your Lord and Saviour?

Jesus says in Mathew 11:28; “come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. No matter what you’ve done or where you’ve been, this invitation is for you. Jesus is knocking at the door of your heart; all you need to do is invite Him in, by believing and receiving Him.

Are you ready? Here’s a prayer you can say right now:

Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner in need of grace. I believe that Jesus died to set me free from my sins. Thank You Jesus for dying to save me. Please forgive me for all my sins and come into my heart. Be my Lord and Saviour. Fill me with Your Spirit and enable me to live for You from now onwards, in Jesus’ name, Amen

If you prayed this prayer, please email me at rockteachingministry@gmail.com and let me know about it. I would love to pray with you personally and send you a copy of my eBook; ‘Living the Life’ to encourage you as you begin your journey with Jesus.

IN HIS PRESENCE is written by Oke Chinye.
Have you asked Jesus Christ to come into your heart?

He says in Mathew 11:28, “come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” He longs to give you rest."

Would you like to do so now? Here’s a prayer you can say:
Dear Jesus, I believe that You died to save me from all my sins. Today, I invite you into my heart and I accept you as my Lord and Saviour. Please forgive all my sins and help me to live my life for You.

If you prayed this prayer, send me an email at rockteachingministry@gmail.com

I would love to pray with you personally and send you a copy of my book; ‘Living the Life’ to encourage you as you begin your new life in Christ.