Problems Can Be Opportunities

“Our God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that you can ask or even think.” Ephesians 3:20.

              My thoughts today are that                              “PROBLEMS CAN BE OPPORTUNITIES”

Daily life includes problems. When a problem becomes your focus, you are naturally inclined to exaggerate the difficulty and overlook the opportunity. Jesus acknowledged people’s problems but challenged them to consider possibilities. Whenever and wherever problems arise, God provides opportunities.

Jesus challenged a man who had been incapacitated most of his life, but he was still waiting for a hoped-for miracle. Read John 5:1-8. Jesus challenged him to do what he had previously not been able to do. Jesus’ invitation was simple, “Pick up your bed and walk.” He could carry what had carried him. And He could and he did! Jesus challenged him to see his impossibility to be God’s opportunity.

Such stories are endless in the Bible, as well as true in lives today. ”Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But not with God. Everything is possible with God.” Mark 10:27 NLT. Read this again, “With God, everything is possible”

I think the miraculous feeding of the multitude must be one of my favorite stories. Read John 6:1-13 NIV. Every one of us is identified somewhere in the story. When an overwhelming crowd followed Jesus and the day was ending, the disciples saw problems but no possibilities. There were too many people. They were too hungry. There were far from home, and it was late in the day.

The disciples’ answer was inadequate. Their solution was to send people to their homes hungry. ”Jesus replied, “I am the Bread of Life. Whoever comes to Me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in Me will never be thirsty.” John 6:35 NKJ.

In the company df the One who proclaimed, “I am the Bread of Life,” their solution was simple but inadequate and uncaring. Their solution was, “Send them away.” They would dismiss the people to provide for their own needs.

Then Jesus challenged their assumptions even further. He instructed them, “Give them to eat.” They saw a problem without the resource required. The people’s problem became the disciples’ opportunity.

Then Jesus was direct, “Go and see what you have.”  They were in good company. Moses had a rod to part the sea. David had a shepherd’s sling to slay a giant. A little boy had his lunch to feed a massive crowd. In God’s hands, what you have is more than enough for amazing opportunities.

We are all simply disciples trusting Jesus. We are assigned to receive and share with others what He miraculously provides. Reflect on this truth, ”My God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 NIV. When you see what looks like a problem, look for God’s provision with faith in His character and promise.

In life, there will always be challenges and shortages. But with God, there will always be opportunities for provision, blessing, and sharing. Remember this. Our God is, “able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that you can ask or even think, according to His riches in Glory by Christ Jesus.” Ephesians 3:20 NKJV.

My prayer for you today is to trust God and His loving and lavish care.

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