You may have noticed I’ve been somewhat MIA here lately. Well, that’s because opportunity knocked – and kept on knocking! I’ve gone back to school (yes, at my age)! And because it’s been years decades since I’ve taken any formal training I’m finding it a bit challenging to say the least!
Opportunity knocks
Some time ago I stumbled upon the Christian Leaders’ Institute website. And I loved their philosophy of offering free Bible training to people who would otherwise never be able to receive any. People who can’t afford to leave their jobs, families or responsiblities to relocate for formal study. Others who live in nations where no training is available or that are hostile to Christianity. Or still others who perhaps are hindered by personal disabilities.
Or people like me who, despite being a missionary for 30+ years, never had the chance of formal training. Primarily because of the shoestring budget we’ve usually lived on. But also because raising kids, homeschooling, church leadership, and ministry left little time.
But the desire has always been there, and I would often think if only… Through our years of ministry here, I’ve often felt inadequate and unprepared. Much of the time I’ve been scared to death and lacking confidence, which likely hindered my effectiveness in serving.
Yet commiting to a formal training course seemed overwhelming! Could I get into studying again after so many years? For the first time in my life, I had too much time. But did I have enough determination and commitment? Could I, would I, stick to it? Now fast forward about a year.
Opportunity kept knocking…
I couldn’t get the idea out of my mind. What a great idea, a great chance!
So I’ve enrolled in their Bible school. And I was right. It is a lot of material and it will take great commitment. But I’m enjoying it and glad I took the leap.
Which made me wonder – how many opportunities do we miss in our lives either because we lack confidence or we’re afraid of the commitment? Even though the Lord promises to help us?
For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
2 Timothy 1:7 ESV
Anyway, I’ve opened the door to opportunity and hoping to make the most of it, while praying that the Lord will help me and keep me going!
But in light of this, I’m also renewing my focus on simple living. Hence, my reposting of 5 Steps to Reclaim Your Life From the Internet. And why I’ll especially be looking at time management and scheduling! For as we know, commitment without planning is doomed to failure!
Opportunity Knocks Everywhere
Some of the greatest things about Christian Leaders Institute is that all classes are free and online – and therefore available all over the world. So even Christians in remote parts of the world can do Bible school, as long as they have internet.
But it’s not only a great opportunity for pastors and the like. Anyone can attend. Especially because they offer classes in English, Spanish, French, Russian, and Chinese!
Or maybe as a leader, you’re mentoring people who would love to study, but there are no Bible schools in your area. You could refer them to this school.
The important thing to remember is that God is constantly sending opportunities our way. He wants us to grow and become more like him. But the only way to do that is to open the door on whatever opportunities he sends!
Images: Woman at laptop by energepic.com | Girl with book on face y cottonbro studio | Open door by Jan Tinneberg.
Signora Sheila 
Congratulations Sheila on stepping out with courage and faith. God will use your commitment to growing deeper with Him. You have grown good fruit, and your harvest is going to grow exponentially! Karen
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Thanks, Karen. It was a big step, for sure. I haven’t done any formal studies in decades. But I am greatly enjoying it, learning a lot, and know that it will draw me closer to God – which is so important!
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Cheering you on. 👏🙃
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Thanks Karen!!
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Kudos, Sheila, for following God’s prompting in spite of reservations. In my prayers for you I’ll add clarity of mind, ease of memorizing (!), and successful mastery every step of the way! Press on, my friend!
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Thank you so much Nancy. My tired old brain will really need the help! First of all, I’m working on making a good workable life schedule because I realize that without organization I’ll never do it!! Thanks as always for all your encouragement, dear friend!
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I love your persistence and courage! True holy boldness. And you do make me wonder how often I’ve been too fearful to try for fear of failure or that I will look foolish. Writing has been that way for me. Thanks for your encouragement, my friend. We’re never too old, are we?
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Thanks so much for your encouragement, Dayle. I’m not sure how much persistence & courage I have – I guess this will be a good test! We seem so much alike in so many things. Writing is that way for me, too. Yet, it’s in my blood and I can’t stop.! Through our years of service I’ve done most things afraid. Which in some ways is good because it’s taught me to rely on God and realize that I can only do all things through him. I am not able, but he is! And no, we’re never too old. Just think of Abraham and Moses! So here’s to courage, in God!
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I do feel you are a kindred spirit–and I’m grateful for knowing you. I love your honesty and your genuine heart of truth about yourself. Thanks for being that voice of affirmation and encouragement. The Lord has used you in my life!
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Thanks Dayle, and I feel the same! You’re a constant source of encouragement, hope, and joy! It’s so wonderful that we can encourage each other along the way! The wonder of these modern achievements!
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Good for you! Thanks for inspiring the rest of us to be ready no matter our age or situation. Blessings
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Thank you Pastor Pete, for the encouragement. I know it won’t be easy, but I’m counting on the Lord’s help. And I know that in the end it will be worth it!!
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You have inspired me! Thanks for leading by example. God bless you!
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Thank you for your inspiring words! Especially because I have a feeling I will need all the encouragement I can get along this journey!! But I figured, hey – all I can do is try and give it my best shot!
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