As we enter the New Year, it's a popular tradition for many of us to choose a word that inspires and motivates us throughout the coming months. The word I've chosen for this year is "Opportunity." With life being so full of challenges and uncertainties, I believe God gives us countless opportunities to grow in our faith, positively impact others, and fulfill His purpose.
In this blog post, I'd like to share my perspective on how I plan to seize every chance God gives me and how you, too, can embrace the divine opportunities in your life. So, let's dive in!
1. Recognizing God's Providence:
Have you ever wondered how to pursue opportunities that align with God's plan for your life? As a Christian, I believe every opportunity that comes my way results from God's divine providence and guidance. With this mindset, I am committed to pursuing new adventures and collaborations with an open heart and mind in the coming year.
One of my goals this year is to travel to at least two new countries and immerse myself in the local culture and community. I believe stepping outside my comfort zone and experiencing new customs and traditions will deepen my appreciation for God's diversity and creativity.
Additionally, I am inviting new opportunities to collaborate with like-minded business partners who share my passion for making the world a better place. By working together to create positive change in the world, we can honor God's call to be good stewards of His creation.
As the Bible teaches, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight" (Proverbs 3:5-6). With this in mind, I am confident that God will guide me as I pursue these opportunities and face any challenges. By acknowledging His sovereignty and wisdom, I can approach each opportunity with humility and gratitude, knowing that His plan for my life is more significant than anything I could imagine.
This year, I am committed to pursuing opportunities with a positive attitude and an open mind, trusting that God will lead me down the right path. I know there will be challenges and obstacles along the way, but I am confident that by relying on the Lord, I will overcome them and achieve my goals.
I am excited to embark on this new journey and see where God will lead me. As a Christian, I am committed to living a purpose-driven life and using my talents and resources to impact the world positively. I invite you to join me in this pursuit and trust that God will bless our efforts as we seek to honor Him in all we do.
2. Stepping Out of Comfort Zones:
Are you ready to jump out of your comfort zone and grab onto every opportunity that comes your way? As a Christian, I know that God often puts us in situations that require us to stretch ourselves and rely on His strength. It might mean taking risks, facing the unknown, or exploring new territories. It's time to walk by faith, not sight, and embrace the discomfort of growth. Think of it like a caterpillar that has to break out of its cocoon to become a beautiful butterfly. You can do this!
Here are some practical tips to help you step out of your comfort zone:
Try something new: This could be as simple as taking a dance class, learning a new language, or trying a new food. By doing something you've never done before, you'll challenge yourself to learn and grow.
2. Set achievable goals: Start small and work your way up. Set a goal that stretches you just enough to feel uncomfortable but not so much that it's overwhelming. For example, if you're afraid of public speaking, start by giving a speech to a small group of friends or family members.
3. Seek support: Don't be afraid to ask for help or support from others. Surround yourself with people encouraging and motivating you to take risks and grow.
For example, I remember being offered a job in a different state. I was nervous about leaving my comfort zone, but I knew God had a plan for me. I prayed about it, sought advice from trusted friends, and ultimately took the job. It required me to step out of my comfort zone, but it was an excellent opportunity for personal and professional growth.
So, let's make this year all about seizing opportunities that align with God's purpose for our lives. Don't be afraid to take that first step, even if it feels uncomfortable. With God's help, you can overcome obstacles and succeed!
3. Serving Others:
As a believer, I have always felt a call to serve others and be an instrument of God's grace and love. This means seeking opportunities to extend kindness, compassion, and support to those in need. Over the years, I have found that some of the most meaningful opportunities to serve have come through volunteering at my place of worship and through community service projects.
Volunteering at the local library is one of my favorite ways to give back to the community. Whether assisting patrons in finding books, organizing shelves, or helping with events, I have found that there are always ways to make a difference. For example, last year, I helped to organize a book drive to collect books for low-income families in the area. It was heartwarming to see how our community came together to provide access to books and education for those who may not have had the opportunity otherwise.
Another way that I have served is through my place of worship. In addition to attending services, I have volunteered as a mentor for young adults, helping them navigate life and faith challenges. It has been incredibly rewarding to see these young people grow and develop as they learn to live out their faith in practical ways.
Finally, I have also found many opportunities to serve through community service projects. Whether cleaning up a local park, serving meals at a homeless shelter, or participating in a charity walk, I have found that something needs to be done. These projects are a way to put my faith into action and make a tangible difference in the lives of those around me.
Being an instrument of God's grace and love means stepping out of our comfort zones and meeting people where they are. It means showing compassion to those who are hurting, extending kindness to those struggling, and offering hope to those who are lost. This is not just a call to action but a way of life for me. I strive to live each day with a heart full of love and a willingness to serve, knowing that even the smallest acts of kindness can make a big difference in those around me.
I am grateful for every opportunity to share God's love with others, and I will continue to seek ways to do so daily.
4. Cultivating a Grateful Heart:
When I decided to retire a couple of years ago, I realized I could start a new career if I wanted one. I chose real estate. It was a big decision, and I felt excitement and apprehension. But I also knew this was a rare opportunity to pursue a new passion and create a new chapter in my life.
As I embarked on this journey, I was reminded of the immense power of gratitude. I knew this opportunity was a gift, and I was grateful for the chance to pursue something I was genuinely passionate about. I was also grateful for the skills and experiences I gained throughout my career, which I could apply to this new venture.
Of course, starting a new career in your retirement years can be challenging. Sometimes, I felt overwhelmed and uncertain, and there were many new skills and concepts to learn. But by cultivating a spirit of gratitude, I could navigate these challenges with resilience and determination.
I also found that real estate was a field that allowed me to connect with people in a meaningful way. I felt a sense of fulfillment and purpose as I helped clients find their dream homes or sell their properties. Through it all, I remained grateful for the opportunity to impact people's lives positively.
Retirement is not just about slowing down and taking it easy. It's about embracing new opportunities and pursuing new passions. And by cultivating a spirit of gratitude, we can approach these opportunities with a sense of purpose and joy, knowing that each is a precious gift.
Conclusion:
Let's enter this year with hearts excited for the opportunities ahead. Let's listen attentively to God's voice, discern His will, and boldly pursue every chance to serve Him and others. But let's also remember that setbacks and challenges are inevitable in any journey toward achieving our dreams. Rather than being discouraged by them, let's use these moments as opportunities for growth and learning. Let's rely on the strength and resilience that comes from our faith and the support of our community to keep us moving forward, knowing that with God's guidance, we will ultimately succeed. So, my friends, let's expect great things and be ready to seize every opportunity for His glory!
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Janette Owens is the founder of Be Inspired For Real and owner of Be Inspired For Real LLC. She loves everything inspirational and has spent most of her life inspiring and motivating others through humor, prose, exhortation, and God's love. Janette is the author of A Swan Song, an intimate collection of poems and short stories. Janette lives just outside of Memphis, Tennessee.
Share your word in the comments below and inspire others to embrace the possibilities ahead.
Amen sis