OPPORTUNITY ISN’T NECESSARILY GOD’S PERMISSION (2)
JULY 13, 2026
TEXT: “And he said unto his men, The LORD forbid that I should do this thing unto my master, the LORD’s anointed, to stretch forth mine hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the LORD.” (1 Samuel 24:6)
This morning, we shall continue yesterday’s discussion on how opportunities should be carefully examined and confirmed to indeed be from God.
As stated yesterday, many doors are tests and temptations. They might often look so harmless. For example, a natural human being who is not saved might see no qualms in killing an enemy whenever he has the opportunity to do so. Many doors are deliberately allowed by God just to test our obedience and not necessarily to suggest that they are God’s plans and purposes for our lives. According to Apostle Paul, all things may appear lawful and harmless, but they are not necessarily expedient or beneficial to us (1 Corinthians 10:23). Apostle James also emphasized something similar when he stated that we should not confuse temptation with divine leading (James 1:13–15). The Preacher was also not left out when he echoed the sentiment that there is a way that appears right to a man, but the end is ruin (Proverbs 14:12).
NOTABLE FACTS
- An opportunity must be governed by godly principles. Definitely, it can never be the intention of God for you to cheat in examinations to pass, have sex to graduate, have sex to get a well-paid job, lie to get yourself off the hook, etc. Anything you do immorally to obtain a blessing or reprieve is not an opportunity or grace. It is simply God watching you and keeping quiet, even though you think you have escaped problems through that means. The fact still remains that it was not from God. (Romans 3:8)
- God’s timing is far better than man’s agenda. David was anointed king over Israel from a very young age, but he never misused the opportunity to force God’s promise into manifestation. He waited for the appointed time. Another person would have seized the opportunity to either kill Saul or impose himself in some other way, but David discerned that the opportunity was one that required patience (Habakkuk 2:3).
- Opportunity should never replace obedience in the sight of God. Obedience is not negotiable as far as God is concerned.
- Lifelong integrity is more valuable than immediate success and momentary breakthrough. Yes, David could have succeeded in killing Saul and enthroning himself, claiming it was an opportunity from God, but the lifetime repercussions might not have been pleasant.
Before you accept anything as an opportunity, ask yourself these questions:
- Is it in compliance with God’s Word?
- Will Christ be glorified?
- Will it leave me with a clear conscience?
- Is it really God’s timing or my own personal desire?
- Can I honestly ask God to bless this decision?
If your answer to these questions is no, then you might need to bring such an endeavour to an end.
SEARCHLIGHT: Not all doors are truly doors. Some doors are pitfalls meant to entrap us.
PRAYER: O LORD, help me to discern genuine opportunities, identify traps, and avoid them, in Jesus’ mighty name.
BIBLE READING: Psalm 36–38; Revelation 9.
PASTOR MICHAEL OMOLE
