--PRE-SERVICE PRAYER--

Focus: Hungry in Flesh…Full in Spirit

Foundation Scripture: Luke 4:1-2 ESV

Prayer Points:
1. Be Full of the Holy Spirit
2. Be Led by the Holy Spirit
3. Be Full of the Word and Overcome Temptation
4. Be Fervent in Spirit
5. Pray for Sunday Services

--MESSAGE--
"Doors of Opportunity"

Introduction:
Sometimes people do not seize the God-given opportunities in their lives because of all the adversity that comes along with it

Introduction (Continued):
Adversaries bring adversity, that is, opposition, and we must know the devil will not let us seize these opportunities without a fight.

What is the most significant difference between those who seize their God-given opportunities and those who do not? The man or woman of faith never loses sight of the opportunity in the midst of adversity.

1. What Really Made David King?

Who made David king of Israel? God chose David to be King in (1Sam.16), so we know God was behind the whole thing. But what really made David King was his confrontation with Goliath. David did not enter the kingship until after he fought and defeated Goliath. His adversity was, in reality, a door of opportunity for promotion.

What happened here? David seized an opportunity. All of his brothers and the rest of the army of Israel saw only adversity. They saw an adversary who looked too big to overcome. David saw the adversary as well, but by faith, he looked past him to the opportunity

2. The Joy of Overcoming Adversity

You can get to a place where overcoming adversity becomes an utter joy.

3. The Joy of Believing

There is joy in believing. There is joy in standing. There is joy in being patient and persevering.

But you will never know this if you are prone to quit. You will never know this joy if you crack under pressure.

4. When One Door Closes, God Can Open Another One.

Paul was consistently presented with doors of opportunity because he refused to quit. Acts 13 describes a time when Paul seemed to be in a position every preacher would like.

Almost the whole city came to hear Paul preach the Word. Talk about a wider platform. Talk about an open door of opportunity. Paul saw an opportunity to affect more lives than ever before. But what happened? Along with the opportunity came adversity and adversaries.

Notice what happened here. The Word of God was impacting the whole region. But just as things seemed to be going well, opposition showed up.

Just as Paul and Barnabas seemed to be having great success, adversaries expelled them from the city. But did these adversaries steal their joy? No, Paul and Barnabas found joy in overcoming obstacles.

5. Natural and Spiritual Examples.

Illustration: Paul got up after he was left for dead and kept preaching.

People of faith cannot be kept down. They will rise to the occasion every time. Paul did not live his life on the defensive. He lived offensive, and he remained aggressive. People who live defensively never rise above their circumstances. Being on the offense is the key that unlocks the door to making God-given opportunities a reality.

Conclusion:
This year will present many open doors of opportunity for you!

When God gives you a dream or a vision, do not let go of it. Write it down. Keep it before your eyes, and you will always be headed in the right direction. This will help you avoid losing focus amid adversity.