The Opportunity in Front of You

There is a story, said to be true, about a farmer who lived in Africa and through a visitor became tremendously excited about looking for diamonds. Diamonds were already discovered in abundance on the African continent and this farmer got so excited about the idea of millions of dollars’ worth of diamonds that he sold his farm to head out to the diamond line. He wandered all over the continent, as the years slipped by, constantly searching for diamonds and wealth, which he never found. Eventually he went completely broke and threw himself into a river and drowned. Meanwhile, the new owner of his farm picked up an unusual looking rock about the size of a country egg and put it on his mantle as a sort of conversation piece. A visitor stopped by and in viewing the rock practically went into convulsions. He told the new owner of the farm that the funny looking rock on his mantle was about the biggest diamond that had ever been found. The new owner of the farm said, “the whole farm is covered with them.” Sure enough, it was. The farm turned out to be the Kimberly Diamond Mine, the richest the world has ever known. The original farmer was literally standing on “Acres of Diamonds” until he sold his farm.

Is it possible that you and I are standing on acres of diamonds and we don’t even realize it?

While I don’t know about your specific situation and circumstance, there are certainly some similarities we share. And one similarity we both share is this…we both have an opportunity. Here’s the question. What are you doing with the opportunity God has given you?

Many times we are blinded by the enemy and we lose sight of the opportunity in front of us. Here are a few thoughts that can help us recognize and make the most of the opportunities around us.

1. Stop Comparing  

Be sure to do what you should, for then you will enjoy the personal satisfaction of having done your work well, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else. Galatians 6:4

Don’t get consumed by what someone else is doing. God designed you to be you. Do your ministry with passion and commitment. Leave the rest to God and His timing.

2. Focus on the Possibilities

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26

No matter how difficult or frustrating things become, remember the circumstance can change, it is possible. Don’t be limited by what your human eyes see. Trust God to do what looks impossible as you look beyond the current situation to what “could be.”

3. Ask the Right Questions

Do not say, “Why were the old days better than these?” For it is not wise to ask such questions. Ecclesiastes 7:10

In order to find the right answers, you must first ask the right questions. Your brain is constructed to follow the pathway of your questions. Asking a question like “Why were the old days better than these” is like asking “why in the world is my boss so difficult?” Neither question will take you down a pathway of discovery and resolution. You will only fuel your current frustration.

Instead, ask questions like “what can I do today to be a blessing to my boss?” Or “what does my boss need from me in order to make progress with his/her goals?”

Just a few ideas to help you make the most of the opportunities around you. After all, you are standing in acres of diamonds. What you do with it is up to you!