Healthy leaders don’t commit fast; they pause long enough to see what’s opportunity and what’s a trap.
In this episode, Mark and Erica walk through Question #4 in the Discipline of Pausing: What are the greatest opportunities for the coming year? They talk about why leaders feel pressure to do “all the things,” how to list possibilities without committing, and how to avoid “bad opportunities” that drain your mission. You’ll also hear practical discernment cues—prayer, counsel, team buy-in, and learning to slow down enough to actually see.
📋 Key Takeaways
- List opportunities without committing: get it all on the whiteboard first—then evaluate.
- Not every opportunity is a God-opportunity: Joshua’s Gibeonite moment is the warning label—some “open doors” are traps (Joshua 9).
- Discernment is communal: bring opportunities to staff, elders, and trusted outside leaders for perspective.
- Your mission matters: opportunities should move the core forward—not clutter the garage with someone else’s “great idea.”
- Speed kills perspective: pausing (especially in prayer “away from it”) helps you see clearly and lead without burning out your people.
💬 Quotes
- “Because it’s an opportunity doesn’t mean it’s a smart opportunity.”
- “The anointing is a holy ease—it’s still hard, but God’s lubricating it.”
- “Don’t live in a state of always trying to do the most—you’ll miss the stillness Jesus has for you.”
🕐 Timestamps
00:00–01:24 — Series setup + why this question matters
01:24–03:20 — “Restaurant choices” analogy: list options first
03:20–05:05 — Bad opportunities: Joshua & the Gibeonites (discernment fail)
05:05–07:45 — God opportunity vs distraction: Spirit, confirmation, counsel, push/pull
07:45–10:30 — Mission focus + “only do what only you can do”
10:30–14:20 — Filters: anointing, passion, price tag, buy-in
14:20–18:15 — Why prayer + outside counsel clarifies timing and complexity
18:15–22:55 — Danger of chasing too many opportunities + call to die to self
📖 Scripture Tie-Ins
- Colossians 4:5 — “Make the most of every opportunity.”
- Joshua 9 — The deception of the Gibeonites (a “bad opportunity”).
- Proverbs 15:22 — Plans succeed with many advisers.
- Mark 1:35 / Luke 5:16 — Jesus withdraws to pray (the “pause” rhythm).
🛠️ Next Steps
The “Opportunities Inventory” (20–30 minutes):
- Dump the list: leadership, family, ministry, personal growth—everything you could pursue this year.
- Circle 3–5 that feel most weighty (not just most exciting).
- Pray it out: “Lord, show me what’s You, and what’s just noise.”
- Get one layer of counsel: staff/elder/pastor friend—someone who will tell you the truth.
- Pick one micro-step (not the whole project): schedule a meeting, research, or write a one-page plan.
Journaling prompts
- “What opportunities am I attracted to… but they don’t actually fit my assignment?”
- “Where am I confusing availability with calling?”
- “What would future-me thank me for starting now?”
📚 Resource mentioned
- Whatever the Cost (David & Jason Benham)
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