1 Corinthians 16:8-9
“I will stay on at Ephesus until Pentecost, because a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me.”
Is it time to quit? Have you put in enough at this job or on this project? How do you know?
Each person’s situation is unique, but Paul’s experience may help you. Before you write that resignation letter run these two tests.
The Opposition Test
Take Paul's second comment first. He is staying on in this strategic City because, in his words: “so many oppose me”. That may surprise you. He reads the opposition as a measure of his call. It gives him courage not angst.
Paul knows that he on to something really important and that is why he is being persecuted. The contest is evidence for the significance of his work.
Before you quit, take stock of your opposition. Is it the very reason you are in this role? Could it be that the opposition is a measure of your calling? If there is lots of contest around your work it may mean that you are more important than you realised. It could be a reason to stay.
The Opportunity Test
Paul talks about “a great door for effective work” that has opened “to ME”. His door is specific. It usually is. If you quit, what door closes? How are you uniquely positioned to do some good? Yes, it may be hard and costly. There may be opposition. But is there a path, a window, a crack of hope that only YOU can access? Is that why you are in this role right now?
The opportunity test looks for the door that is presently open, and is only open to you. If you walk away, what opportunity disappears, perhaps forever?
Before you quit, take the 2 OPPs Test: assess your Opposition and Opportunity. Then decide, and having made your choice, give it all you have.
Questions
- Did you ever quit something and then regret it?
- When is opposition a signal to leave and not to stay?
- Please leave a comment
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Hey Allan,
ReplyDeleteI love reading your blogs and would love to hear examples from your life. When have you struggled with opposition in your work? What does that look like in Australia?
I know it looks different for everyone but it would be encouraging to read about how God has used opposition in your own life and Kingdom growth resulted!!
Philippians 4:13
ReplyDeleteI can do all things through him who strengthens me.
Michael
Hi Anon: Thanks for your comment. Good point, I'll take that on board.
ReplyDeleteHi Michael: I love Phil 4!