Think Again!

142 • Think Again: Transformation That Yields a Return on God’s Investment

port”). The idea is that you need to be constantly aware of the winds and tides that shift one way or another, taking advantage of them to guide you toward the port. To be wise is to recognize the winds and tides are more favorable at one time than another. So wisdom sometimes involves waiting . Other times it means acting quickly. I loved playing basketball because it is a game of constantly looking for opportunities. The best players make instantaneous decisions to pass, shoot, dribble, cut, or drive, depending on what is available. Even when a player doesn’t have possession of the ball, she is constantly observing the situation to take advantage of opportunities that present themselves. When Paul talks about opportunities, he prays God will open doors so that he will take proper advantage of them. “Pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison – that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time” (Col. 4.3-4). You must be continually ready for opportunities, especially when you are experiencing trials. When my mother passed away and we were in the midst of our own grief, we had to break the news of her death to several of her friends. Many of them burst into tears, needing words of comfort and encouragement. Out of the grace God gave us, we were able to be the source of strength to others. To recognize opportunities, you must be aware of your surroundings. It is easy to drift through life like sleepwalkers and miss opportunities. You also need to cultivate your imagination in surprising situations. In Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol , Ethan wakes up to find himself in a Russian hospital bed. Waiting outside his room is a Russian agent ready to interrogate him. Without