Obstacle or Opportunity?

I did not want to do it. I did not want to depend on someone else for support. But friends offered to set up a fundraiser day to help with the finances of an upcoming trip to India. Items for the silent auction, an important part of the day, were very slow coming in. Finally I made up my mind I needed to collect something to put on the auction tables. Humbly, I went to stores I frequented throughout our years in Fergus.

I began a conversation with the owners, telling them briefly what Bob and I would be doing... teaching, speaking and providing music for Christian leaders in India, Nepal and Thailand. Their interest piqued and they began to ask questions. A conversation ensued. Before I knew it I had an armload of beautiful gifts to set out on the auction tables.

In spite of the awkwardness I felt at the beginning, it turned out to be a very enriching experience. The week following the event (which included a car rally, pig roast, live music and silent auction), not only did I return to each business place with a thank you but the occasion gave rise to an opportunity to write the local paper commending the generosity of businesses in the area.

Often the obstacles in our lives lead to opportunities that might otherwise not been possible. Can you think of a time when you faced an obstacle head on and through it you encountered an unexpected advantage?

Judges 4:1-23 records an unusual account of opportunity offered to Deborah the prophetess.
Read it and look for the many details that made the occasion possible. Were these coincidences? If not, how can you explain the perfect timing?

To succeed, jump as quickly at opportunities as you do at conclusions. ~ Benjamin Franklin

When have you seen God turn an obstacle into an opportunity in your life? Could there be one right now?

Ruth