You may have noticed that I’ve been a little MIA here lately. Well, that’s because opportunity knocked – and kept on knocking! I’ve gone back to school (yes, at my age)! And since it’s been years decades since I’ve had any formal education I’m finding it a bit challenging to say the least!
Opportunity knocks & Bible School
Some time ago I came across the Christian Leaders’ Institute website. And I loved their philosophy of providing free Bible training to people who would otherwise never be able to receive it. People who can’t afford to leave their jobs, families or obligations to relocate for formal study. Others who live in nations where training is not available or is hostile to Christianity. Or still others who may be hindered by physical disabilities.
Or people like me who, despite being a missionary for over 30 years, have never had the opportunity of formal education. Mostly because of the shoestring budgets we’ve usually lived on. But also because raising children, homeschooling, church leadership, and ministry left little time.
But the desire was always there, and I’ve often thought if only… Throughout our years of ministry here, I’ve often felt inadequate and unprepared. Much of the time I’ve been scared to death and lacked confidence, which probably hindered my effectiveness in ministry.
But committing to a formal training course seemed overwhelming! Could I go back to studying again after so many years? I had too much time on my hands. But did I have enough determination and commitment? Could I, would I, stick with it? Now fast forward about a year.
Opportunity kept knocking…
I couldn’t get the idea out of my head. What a great idea, what a great opportunity!
So I’ve enrolled in their Bible school. And I was right. It is a lot of material and it will take a lot of commitment. But I’m enjoying it and I’m glad I took the leap.
Which got me thinking – how many opportunities do we miss in our lives either because we don’t have the confidence or because 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
Anyway, I’ve opened the door to opportunity and hope 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 be focusing on time management and scheduling! Because as we know, commitment without planning is doomed to failure!
Opportunity Knocks Everywhere
One of the greatest things about the Christian Leaders Institute is that all the classes are free and online – and therefore available all over the world. Especially since they offer classes in English, Spanish, French, Russian, and Chinese! This means that Christians in remote parts of the world can attend Bible school, as long as they have access to the Internet.
God always sends us opportunities because He wants us to grow and become more like Him. But we have to open the door on whatever opportunities he sends!
📷 Image credits: laptop; Girl & book; door
Signora Sheila 
14 responses to “When Opportunity Knocks {Bible School}”
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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