“For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.” I Corinthians 16:9 (NKJV)
The Bible is filled with hundreds of people who failed. Ironically, we now refer to many of them as “heroes of the faith.” No one becomes truly great until they overcome something that looks insurmountable.
What are we to do when we feel opposed on every side by the pressures of life, the people we encounter, and the responsibilities we shoulder? Scripture reminds us that even the enemy is working against us. (1 Peter 5:8)
In today’s verse, Paul reminds us that doors of opportunity always come with significant challenges. Think about it. If success came quickly and easily, everyone would be successful. And if everyone achieved success, it wouldn’t be something to be praised.
How does a caterpillar become a butterfly? By overcoming the cocoon, which is an essential part of the growth process. One would think it would be easier to stay in the warmth and comfort of the cocoon. On days when the caterpillar struggles to get out, I would imagine he would agree. But deep down, the caterpillar knows the price of freedom.
Flight and discovery of all that God has in store for us require struggle, development, faith, and then finally, a breakthrough. There is no other way!
Why did Jesus send His disciples into a life-threatening storm in Matthew 14? To teach them to trust Him in all of life’s situations. He was using every experience to prepare them for their future.
What are you struggling to overcome right now? Instead of complaining and asking God to remove the struggle, see it for what it is—valuable preparation. And if God is currently opening doors of opportunity for you, be prepared for challenges, because you can’t have one without the other.
Gerald Rovis Masinde is a seasoned teacher of the word of God with an apostolic edge. He is passionate about raising and mentoring next generation leaders. Gerald Rovis is the Founder and Lead Pastor of Bethel Covenant Connection Ministries, a ministry whose mandate is to Reach, Teach and Equip. He has worked extensively as a Christian broadcaster with leading media houses in Uganda, South Africa, Germany and USA. Gerald Rovis is married to Veronica Masinde and they have 3 children.
