What will you do when opportunity knocks? Life and leadership are most often predictable and consistent—we do the same kind of work each day, make the same types of decisions, go to the office and come home at the same times. But occasionally the unexpected opportunity comes along, something that might take us to a whole new level, or set an entirely different course for our career or family. Will you know what to do when a door opens?
Galatians 6:10 says, “So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” The Scripture teaches us to be ready for opportunities. As Christ-followers, God will direct us to places where we can do good, both for ourselves and our families and for others. Hebrews 13:16 warns, “Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have…” The attitude of a faith-centered leader is to be on the lookout for opportunities. Have your head up and your eyes open, looking for ways you can serve and share in a meaningful way. Here are four practical ways to be prepared for opportunities:
Know yourself. One way to know if an opportunity is for you is to know your strengths and talents. What are you good at doing? What raises your energy level and fires your passion? Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” You were made for specific good works—opportunities for you to shine. And God has prepared those in advance for you. Those opportunities will come your way. Know your own abilities so that when one comes, you’ll instantly see that a good work that God prepared is before you.
Get to know people. Many opportunities come because of who you know. The Bible tells us to treat each other, “With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:2-3). These verses are telling us to develop meaningful friendships—get to know people. Find opportunities to practice humility, gentleness, meeting others’ needs and forging bonds with them. Go through social media today and you’ll likely find someone asking for advice on a good plumber, or a tutor for their child, or for trusted advice on a topic. They’re asking do you know someone? Be the kind of person that connects to others and helps them to also make connections. Relationships lead to opportunities!
Be proactive. Don’t live your life in the garage, hoping an opportunity will cross your path. Colossians 4:5 says, “Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time.” This is a call to get up and go to the street corner, ready to move when the light turns green. Watch the news daily, read about activities in your community, connect to a local church, volunteer at a charity—there are so many ways to be proactive in life and leadership. Opportunities most often come where there is activity. Resolve to be a part of the action each day versus a passive observer.
Keep trying. When an opportunity comes along, an optimist who is ready to move may grab at it readily. But what if it doesn’t work out, or results in a failure? Perhaps the greatest challenge for a leader when it comes to engaging opportunities is to move beyond rejection, disappointment and unacceptable results and to keep trying. An opportunistic mindset takes a certain level of resilience. Galatians 6:9 encourages us, “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”
Colin White