New Opportunities

In recent Widow's Might meetings we chatted about finding new opportunities the Lord has for us since the loss of our mates.  After all, the Lord created us to be One Flesh in Him, and I remember as my husband was buried, I felt like my right side was going with his body into that grave. Did any of you have that feeling? Yet since that dark time I have found the Light of Jesus in many new ways.

When my husband died I was no longer Mrs. Al East, but Ms. Dee East.  (Don't you dislike that "Ms"?)   I didn't know who I was any longer. How could I find my new identity?  How could I raise those little boys without their Dad?  Where can I go now without being a "third wheel"?  How do I go on another day? And  many more.  I know each of you has your own list to add to these - (and believe me, I had a lot more.)

A friend recently shared how the Holy Spirit comforted her by His Word in Isaiah 43 after she returned from her husband's Memorial service. She suggested I share it with you.  How about placing your own name here:


But now, O Precious One, the Lord who created you says, "Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are Mine. When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of opposition, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. For I Am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior." (NLT)


Soon after this conversation I found a devotional that had been my Mother's. The author spoke of attending a Women's Ministry meeting where they were to discuss many items on a crowded agenda. They began with a short devotional aimed at inspiring them for the tasks ahead. She simply proposed, "Why don't we use the word "Opportunity" instead of "Problem" as we discuss these items and see what happens? The discussion that followed was filled with Opportunities for building new relationshiips within their large church.   Then there was the Opportunity to clarify goals by rewriting their organizational guidelines, and others as they went down their lengthy agenda.

The author suggested that we practice this. Maybe it begins with how we choose to look at our problems. What are your problems today? A deadline? A phone call? A broken relationship? Loneliness? Being able to Forgive?  Reach for God's hand and see it as an Opportunity rather than a problem.

Since reading this I have been delighted to see more opportunities come my way, and my Joy in the Lord's promise to ransom (or redeem) me has been beautiful.  What new opportunities does the Lord have for you during this next month?   Let's see what  we can find in our New OPPORTUNITIES in Jesus.