Seize Opportunities

I read an article today in The Financial Times that is very appropriate for you, your family, and our church. The article, written by Donald Sull, is titled "Why the worst of times can also be the best of times." The author's premise is that wise businesses can often turn tumultuous times into golden opportunities to increase market share, bring about needed changes in the business, and instill cost disciplines that were lacking.

The article got me to thinking, what opportunities is this economic mess presenting to myself, my family, and the church? I don't have time to share all of my thoughts on these issues, but I would like to point out some opportunities presented to small groups within our church.

These uncertain times has created a great opportunity to strengthen the fellowship that takes place among small group members. People have less money to travel, so they will be spending more time in town. Add to this the desire to have stable relationships, and you have people who are just waiting to be asked to a group fellowship or to share a meal. As people spend time with one another, friendships will grow and life will be shared.

A second great opportunity small groups have is to reach out to new people. Uncertainty, job loss, and worry all add up to pain in people's lives. As followers of Christ, we can share the truth that Jesus wants people to lay aside their own burdens (which are heavy and painful) and to take Jesus' yoke upon them (which is easy and light.) Invite people to your small group and encourage group members to bring their friends. As these visitors hear the Bible being taught and see the difference Christ makes in other's life, many will be drawn to Jesus.

As Sull points out in the article, seizing opportunities during difficult times requires keen perception and courage. As a leader, you must look for the opportunities when others see struggles, then help your group members see the opportunities.

Seeing opportunities is not enough though. You must exercise courage to act upon these opportunities. This will require you to step out of your comfort zone from time to time, but you can reach people when they are hurting most, thus transforming their lives. Let us be people who make the most of these "worst of times" by seeing them as opportunities and acting on those chances.