From The Pastor’s Pen – By Brian Horrobin
Winston Churchill once said, “A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.”
If I had to make a decision about where the Bible stands on this, I would say optimist.
Our faith grows when it is tested, not when life is easy and sailing along on automatic pilot.
I remember studying Biblical Greek at seminary for three years and wondering if all that hard work was worth it.
I mean, who even uses this stuff today, anyway?
How would it even be relevant many years later?
Nevertheless, I never missed a lecture, and I took my Greek vocabulary cards with my on the bus and subway, poring over them as other commuters read their Toronto Sun or enjoyed a chit chat with their friends.
Now, 25 years later, I realize that all of my New Testament sermon preparation reaps the benefits from those long, arduous hours of studying.
Back then I thought of it as a nuisance and a difficulty, not an opportunity that I would cash in later on.
In fact, I continue to cash in on something that took only an initial, albeit strenuous, investment.
Is there an area in your life today that seems too difficult for you?
Could it be that your perseverance in it is the stepping stone to your breakthrough?
It may be a glorious opportunity disguised as difficulty.
Decide today that with God’s help you will push through!
