TURNING PROBLEMS INTO OPPORTUNITIES

God wants the best for us and offers us countless opportunities for a better life. With His help, we can look beyond our problems to better solutions and outcomes. When our difficulties taste like sour lemons, He will change them into sweet lemonade.

Eternal Perspectives               by Sally Bair

Problems and opportunities

Years ago my husband and I encountered a partially washed-out bridge that appeared too dangerous to cross. What a problem! But by crossing the bridge, my problem turned out to be an opportunity for me to help alleviate my fear. What looked like a stumbling block became a stepping stone.

We all face problems. But most of them can become opportunities for better things. When we face serious illness, we can change the problem into the challenge of learning more about it or bonding with others with the same disease. Countless friendships occur from such opportunities. When our money runs low, we might see it as a chance to learn how to save through coupons. Or by checking into a new second-hand store. Or learning how to spend wisely.

Instead of asking why some things happen, perhaps we should ask what we can do about them. Opportunities exist everywhere. We can train ourselves to seek them out. And we will find them, with the Lord’s help. After all, He’s in the business of guiding us to the best solutions.

During the Israelites’ trek through the wilderness, Moses sent twelve spies to check out the Promised Land, Canaan. He wanted to see if the inhabitants were strong or weak, numerous or few and if the land itself was rich or poor. They spent 40 days there, during which time the spies cut down a cluster of grapes so large, it took two to carry it back home.

When they returned, Caleb and Joshua, two of the twelve, gave Moses a good report. They should “go up at once and take possession, for we are well able to overcome it. But the men who had gone up with him said, ‘We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we. We were like grasshoppers in our own sight …’” (Numbers 13:30-33) The report of the ten brought fear to the Israelites in spite of Caleb and Joshua’s good report. In fact, they were ready to stone the two who saw a great opportunity to conquer the land. 

God intervened, disciplining the people for their fear and unbelief and causing them to wander for  

another forty years. But He didn’t reject them. He continued to lead them and to show His great power through numerous miracles.

Like Caleb and Joshua, we too can look for opportunity in the midst of our problems. God, as our partner, will help us find them.

Lord, thank You for showing us opportunities that help us overcome our problems. Cause us to look beyond them toward the good things, knowing You will bring us through them. In Jesus’ name, amen.