Utilizing opportunities for progress

THE CHALLENGE

Problems may become challenges, and challenges may become opportunities.

Sadly, many children and teenagers in poor countries and slums are so fenced in by bad circumstances that they don’t see any opportunity to improve their options by schooling and training.

Instead of throwing money at them, pocketed by corrupt leaders, developed countries should rather create opportunities by schools and industries, so these youngsters can fulfill their dreams.

First, we must send educators, helping some indigenous people to become teachers. Second, we must send developers to create work for the children graduating from school. Education without jobs is just as frustrating as no education.

Young people of developed countries should recognize their good fortune, and use the opportunity to do well at school, college and university. Working or volunteering during summer vacation may give valuable experience for later full-time employment.

Only a few people are born with the proverbial “golden spoon in the mouth.” It is not the best way to start off; therefore, many wealthy parents expect of their children to do ordinary work for some time — bringing them in touch with real life — before they become company managers.

Gathering more and more degrees, diplomas and medals does not guarantee success and fulfilment. However, when one got clarity about what one wants to do for a living, one should get the necessary qualification and experience for that. It is one of the best gifts life can bestow on a person. Appreciate the opportunity and give it your best shot.

When Jesus called his disciples, he gave them the best schooling there ever was — to be taught by Jesus himself. They absorbed his wise words and kind deeds, asked questions about them, and increased their insight. Jesus sent them out in pairs to proclaim the kingdom of heaven, and to heal the sick. It gave them the chance to put their faith and knowledge into practice. Their future mission — fishers of people — became clearer to them.

However, the way salvation would be accomplished — the death of Jesus — was unthinkable to them. More than once, they tried to persuade him to stay away from Jerusalem. This was the toughest part of their education: accepting his death as inevitable. It was even harder for them to believe that Jesus would rise from the dead.

This part of their education got done when the resurrected Jesus appeared to them, and opened their minds to understand the prophecies about him. They were now almost ready for graduation.

After 10 days of prayer, they were filled by the Holy Spirit, experiencing his power, love, peace and joy. Boldly they told people about salvation in Christ. Not even persecution could shut them up.

Jacob Van Zyl of Lethbridge is a retired counsellor and the author of several faith-based books.