If you had a GREAT opportunity presented to you, one that would almost guarantee success but that would also separate you from your dearest friend(s), would you take it?

St. Paul was in that situation. He writes (2 Corinthians 2:12-13), “When I went to Troas to preach the gospel of Christ I found that the Lord had opened a door for me… (v. 12).

But something was missing…

I still had no peace of mind, because I did not find my brother Titus there. So I said good-by to them and went on to Macedonia (v. 13).

I’m processing these verses and St. Paul’s example, and I’m coming away with a few things:

• Paul could have stayed. He likely would have had a successful ministry in Troas and would have served with God’s pleasure… remember, it was “the Lord” who had “opened the door” (i.e. provided the opportunity)
• The absence of his friend, Titus, caused Paul to have unrest… a lack of peace.
• Paul decided to walk away from opportunity to pursue his friend.

Some thoughts:

• There are some things more important than opportunity.
• God gives us a choice in the matter. We don’t have to take advantage of every opportunity.
• Some people have success at the expense of relationships. Others have success because of relationships.
• In the middle of opportunity, Paul listened to his heart and pursued relationship. It’s usually not to late to change course!