Last week was a very interesting week. About a year ago when our finances started to dwindle I sent my resume out to an Executive Search Group (Headhunter). Now that’s a unique name! Last week I got a call that there was a possibility of an awesome opportunity in the golf world with one of the greatest golfers of all time. This person asked if he could give my resume to him directly. I was so excited that I said “Of Course.” To make matters even more interesting we were down to $ 7.10 in our checking account. Could this be a lifeline and financial security?
But then my Spirit, the Holy Spirit came over me in peace. I knew what I had to do. I picked up the phone and called this person and said,
“I want to thank you for thinking of me and putting your reputation on the line for me. But the Lord has gifted me in writing and encouraging others on a daily basis. I am sure if I took this position that it would be a great opportunity but here is my dilemma. Once I start something I put 100% into it. If I spend 12 hour days getting up to speed I am missing 12 hours of being led by the Lord to save people from hell. God has called me to preach His word and one minute spent doing something other than that would be one minute I could use in helping someone be saved.”
After some silence this person said he understood and that he appreciated me being honest with him. Even with $ 7.10 in our checking I never felt so at peace with a decision in my whole life. I don’t say this to harp on money today but I do say this to ask you, "Do you know what you are called to do and are you doing it?"
A lot of you know that over the past 4 years we have had a very difficult time financially but God has used this to weed out the other desires of my heart. God knows my heart but He wanted me to see who I really was. I used to be one who was tossed to and fro by the waves of opportunity. Running in all different directions but not doing what God had called me to do. My former business partner, Reed used to say that “Brad lets makes this business successful so we can have you do full time ministry.” That plan sounded good but we did not expect the plan God had for us. The business took a down turn in the economy and only one of us could stay. But God works in and through us by His circumstances. Please pray for Reed to make a successful go of it as he is probably one of the most gifted people in sales and financial abilities that I know. One of the main things I miss was that we would talk at least four times a day. But at times in life you just have to trust the Lord.
Making life changing decisions is tough but if you were given a great opportunity today would you take it? I say this because on the outside not all great “Worldly” or even “Ministry” opportunities are a good move. That is why we need to constantly be in the word of God, praying and having fellowship with other believers. For me to take a secure job would be giving up on YOU. The Lord has given me a great opportunity and you feel like family to me. I enjoy your victories and weep at your trials. But I also am so encouraged to see how the Lord is working in each of your lives.
Ephesians 5:15-17 "Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.”
Colossians 4:5,6 "Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”
These two verses talk about decision making. If an opportunity comes to you today, consider the following.
1. Understand what the Lord’s will is by
a. Praying, Reading God’s word and getting wisdom from other believers.
2. Be very careful what decision you make and not only that be very careful how you live. If you are going after riches that will sway your decision.
3. Be wise in the way you answer questions about your opportunities. A fork in the road goes in two different directions. Please make sure you choose the right one.
4. If you do make a decision not only think of yourself but think more how this decision will impact others more than yourself. What God given talent and responsibility has God already given you? Make sure you are in the word of God and covered with His protection so the evil one does now get you to make a mistake.
Life is all about opportunities. Learning to take the right one will always bring some anxiety. BUT, if you know what God has called you to do and you know the voice of the shepherd then you will feel IT in your Spirit. That is because the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead and that Jesus has is the SAME Spirit living in you if you are a believer.
Take one day at a time and don’t look too far down the road of life. Do the best that you can for today and try to help others more than yourself. When you can have more joy seeing others get promotions than yourself then you are on your way to victory and the peace that only the Lord can give.
I know you want to get there. Just keep seeking out Jesus like you would buried treasure. His treasure will never fail you.
Have a great day and thanks for allowing me to come alongside you in this journey we call life.
Take care
Brad
