EMBRACE EVERY OPPORTUNITY

Welcome to the first of our Power of 3 postings. Power of 3 is a reading plan conducted by our church here in Aurora at Highpoint. Every day there is a designated reading of 3 chapters, and we are challenged to pick one verse (or concept) that stood out to us most. I've decided to make this part of my 33 RESOLUTIONS TO TRANSFORM YOUR LIFE (round 2). I hope you'll join me:)

---

Our reading today is Matthew 10-12.

Verse 18 reads, "You will stand trial before governors and kings because you are my followers. But this will be your opportunity to tell the rulers and other unbelievers about me."

This verse spoke to me today because it helps bring perspective on this weekend. As many of you know, my husband played in the Super Bowl this weekend...and we lost. It's a hard reality to grasp--one that we made it, and two that we didn't win. But there's no real explanation for it all...

Except that this was an opportunity to share Jesus with the world. To let them know that life doesn't always go the way we plan just because we love Jesus, but that in all things God is good.

Manny stood before the whole world this last week and proclaimed what a blessing it was to be a part of such a great event. As one of my friends once told me, blessings don't come from people. Blessings only come from God. Manny proclaimed to the world that God gave him this amazing opportunity, and Manny and many other players gave glory to God for all their success and all their accomplishments.

I find solace in this Scripture--that all our hard work was not in vain. That in the end, this was all part of God's bigger plan to bring glory and honor to His name. And I believe that was accomplished.

I encourage you today, whatever opportunities present themselves today, embrace each one as a blessing to proclaim God's goodness. Even when things don't go the way you plan, know that God is sovereign and His plan will always keep your best interest at heart.

Yes, we are disappointed, but we are not discouraged. Our hope is in God, not our circumstances. Our peace is in His sovereignty, not our own power. Our faith is in God, even when we cannot see His plan, understand His purpose or receive what we desire. We stand strong in who we are in Christ. We move forward today into our off-season, thankful for God's protection, provision and prosperity throughout this last year, today and in the days to come!