Discerning Unusual Opportunities- Open Heavens Daily Devotionals by Pastor E.A Adeboye

BIBLE IN A YEAR: Jer 45-48
DISCERNING UNUSUAL OPPORTUNITIES  Thursday, December 23, 2010
MEMORIZE: “At the noise of the tumult the people fled; at the lifting up of thyself the nations were scattered” (Isaiah 33:3) READ: 2 Kings 13:16-19 Apart from unusual increase, another sign of the time of your favor is when God arises on your behalf. Psalm 102:13 says, “Thou shalt arise, and have mercy upon Zion: for the time to favor her, yea, the set time is come”. The Psalmist was compassed by strong and determined enemies who worked relentlessly to destroy him. Things became so tough that he had to weep while eating or drinking but patiently waited on God. At some point, his faith degenerated into hope as he wondered when God would penetrate the invisible walls hindering his prayers. But when the enemies started to quake and retreat, he realized it was the time of his favor. When those who have been fighting against you suddenly rise up in your defense, do know that your time of favor has come. “So the heathen shall fear the name of the LORD, and all the kings of the earth thy glory” (Psalm 102:15). When your enemies are overtaken with fear and begin to confess their evil deeds and ask for forgiveness or seek deliverance, do know that the Lord has arisen on your behalf because your time of favor has come. Also, when Exodus 14:14 comes to you from the Lord, meaning that you no longer have to defend yourself because God has taken over your case, know that your time of favor has come. This season, concerning that fierce private battle you are going through, the Lord will arise on your behalf. Another sign to identify the time of God’s divine favor is when God gives you an unusual opportunity. Pray for grace to identify and maximize that opportunity for all its worth. King Joash had such an opportunity but could not make the best of it. When Elisha was about to die, since there was nobody worthy of his double portion anointing, he felt led to give king Joash an unusual opportunity to defeat all his enemies in all future battles through a prophetic action. With Elisha’s hand on the king’s hand, every arrow shot represented a victory for Syria. If only he had maximized that opportunity, he would never have been defeated: his victory would have been complete. It is unfortunate he could not discern the times. May you not miss your unusual opportunities this year. Ask God to open the eyes of your spiritual understanding to identify the signs of the time of your favor so that your blessings do not pass you by. ACTION POINT: Thank God for unusual opportunities coming your way this season. Pray for grace to adequately utilize them. N.B: Have you supported the RCCG PROJECT towards eradicating illiteracy in Nigeria? Join today.