Opportunities and Opposition

There are two things I am convinced about when it comes to leadership. First, leaders love opportunity. Especially when it is the RIGHT opportunity. Second, leaders are rarely thrilled about opposition. This is especially true when it comes to opposition about the opportunity that they are so thrilled with.My guess is that you have had seasons as a leader where you have felt enthusiastic about opportunities that seem to be presenting themselves. Along with that, you have more than likely had your moments of opposition, feeling like moving forward is going to be next to impossible.The Apostle Paul makes an incredible statement in 1 Corinthians 16:9.He says:

There is a wide-open door for a great work here,

This is OPPORTUNITY. If you're a leader, you LOVE wide-open doors. These doors are clear cut. It's a sure thing. We have confidence that God's hand of grace and blessing is on it when the door seems to be that open! But then Paul adds something unexpected. It doesn't seem to fit with what he is describing.He continues:

although many oppose me.‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭16:9‬ ‭NLT‬‬

It doesn't seem to go together. First, a huge statement about OPPORTUNITY. But then a declaration about OPPOSITION. It seems like that can't work. If it is a sure thing, how can opposition be a part of the equation? Is it a contradiction? A paradox?I think this serves as a simple leadership reminder: Sometimes opportunity and opposition will go hand in hand.[quote align="center" color="#999999"]Sometimes opportunity and opposition will go hand in hand.[/quote]As a leader, I can sometimes convince myself that if it is the RIGHT OPPORTUNITY, there will be NO OPPOSITION. But this is simply not true.Leaders must remind themselves that opposition doesn't mean that the door is closed, AND an open door will not necessarily prevent opposition.If you are waiting to walk through a door of opportunity until there is no opposition in sight, one of two things will probably happen. You'll either be waiting for a long time, or the opportunity is so insignificant that there is nothing worth fighting for.A "wide-open door" of opportunity doesn't mean there will be no price tag attached. This is why clarity is so vital. When we have clarity for the opportunity, we find an internal conviction that helps us to face the opposition.No matter what you may be up against right not, remember that OPPORTUNITY and OPPOSITION often walk hand in hand. Listen to Jesus. Trust Him with the outcomes. And keep walking through the doors that He is faithful to open, even when you know there is opposition lurking on the other side.