We can’t control our circumstances. But we can choose how we react to them. I’m convinced there are actually opportunities found within some of the worst circumstances.
Here are five moments in particular I believe can be opportunities in disguise.
1. When you’re bored.
When you’re bored, you can either choose to watch TV or you can do something useful with your time. The decisions you make when you’re bored could be the difference between extreme wealth or wasted time knowing every line to every episode of Seinfeld.
I’m not hating on intentional down time or entertainment. But you can’t let times of boredom become wasted time.
2. When you feel cornered.
When you feel like responding with fight or flight, I’m convinced God always provides a third option. You just have to respond properly when you’re cornered. Don’t lash out and don’t hide. Look for a unique opportunity in the situation.
3. When nobody’s watching.
When nobody’s watching, you’ll be most tempted to act in a way that’s contrary to integrity. But I’m convinced the biggest opportunities come when we’re most tempted to do something we shouldn’t. When we make the right decisions in those moments, God gives us unique opportunities in reward.
4. When you’re inconvenienced.
When things aren’t going the way you’d like, you have a chance to make lemons from lemonade. Or in King David’s case, you have the opportunity to slay a giant. Remember, he wasn’t in the battle. He was on an errand from his dad when the opportunity to become a national hero presented itself.
5. When you’re underestimated.
In the same way, David was anointed king of Israel after being underestimated by his own dad. It would be easy to feel sorry for ourselves in moments when others underestimate us. But when we choose to respond bravely instead, I believe there are unique opportunities there.
Have you ever experienced a situation where you found an opportunity when things looked bad? Share it in a comment below.