https://odb.org/MY/2023/02/26/is-it-a-sign
More often than not, when we are desperate, we clutch at whatever comes our way. I guess there is where the expression ‘clutching at straws’ came from. It is not ideal, but we don’t have much of a choice if that’s our only choice.
However, in today’s ODB life example, a job opportunity came to someone who had been laid off. Instead of grabbing at the first opportunity, he paused to ponder on the job offer itself. It appeared that the company was a little dubious and had been flagged for corruption before. So, although he needed the job desperately, he rejected the offer, believing that God would provide him with other opportunities.
The bible has the perfect example of opportunity not equating to God’s will in 1 Samuel 24:1-7. Saul, with 3,000 men, was looking for David and when Saul went into a cave to relieved himself, David with his 600 men who was hiding in the same cave had the perfect opportunity to kill Saul. Instead, David just cut a piece of Saul’s robe, rationalising that he should not take things into his own hands as Saul was anointed by God to be King. If it is God’s will that Saul be dethroned, then God Himself should decide and do it. Thus, the right thing for David to do at that point is not to kill Saul although he was presented with the opportunity. This occurred again later in 1 Samuel 28, and again, David restrained himself.
I think the lesson this morning when it comes to job opportunities to the laid-off unemployed is to listen for the Lord’s still small voice. As desperate as we are in having enough to pay our bills, we must not go for the first given opportunity unless that’s the right one. Of course, in difficult times, we mustn’t be too choosy. But neither must we be indiscriminate and take whatever that comes our way. An open door does not equate God’s will as much we may want it to be so. Both are distinct concepts, and although correlated, they are nevertheless not the same thing. This principle applies to other aspects of our lives, too, like choosing a room, a house, and especially our life partner. Always pray and seek His will in all that we do, and we will make the decision and choice.
Ronnie's Thoughts 