FOLLOW THE LEADERalways seizes the opportunity as a means of reaching his objective. A leader’s
objective must be greater than both the objections and opposition of others
- and the obstacles that will inevitably come his way. That’s why author
Alfred Armand Montapert wrote:
The majority sees the obstacles; the few see the objectives; history
records the successes of the latter, while oblivion is the reward of
the former.^4Principle:
“Leadership overcomes obstacles, objections and
oppositions in the pursuit of great objectives.”Leaders have learned that there is often a strategic timing for taking
advantage of opportunity. When “opportunity comes knocking”, they
quickly open the door. They do not run and hide in the face of opportunity.
While others lock and bolt the door out of a fear of failure – a leader
boldly “seizes the moment” and takes advantage of the opportunity. As
my friend Franklin Graham writes:
It has been said that opportunities multiply as they are seized; they
die when neglected...If we truly want to go beyond the limits, we
will be willing to act decisively when opportunities come.^5In his autobiography, Franklin goes on share how this “opportunity
principle” practically works itself out in his own life:
With God directing my path, I discover a new element in everyday
living. The people I meet and the situations I find myself thrown
into become full of new opportunities. God’s got me here for a
reason, so I sit back and watch His Spirit move. I let God be my
appointment secretary. I never imagine that I’m somewhere by
accident. Just in case God’s behind it, I want to be ready.^6It’s that perspective on opportunity – even in the face of great danger –
that has caused Franklin to be so greatly used of God around the world,
especially in crisis situations. There are several important principles of
opportunity in what Franklin writes: