OPPORTUNITIES – DON’T MISS OUT ON THEM

SCRIPTURE:
"Continue praying, keeping alert, and always thanking God. Also pray 
for us that God will give us an opportunity to tell people his message." 
(Colossians 4:2-3)
"Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially 
to those who are of the household of faith." 
(Galatians 6:10).

MEDITATION:
Opportunity is defined as, 
“a set of circumstances that makes it possible to do something”.
America is called “The land of opportunity” because there are so many 
favorable circumstances that can open a path to success, for anyone.
 
Life is full of opportunities.  
Some will be easy to take advantage of, but some will be difficult.  
However, once we let them pass by (often in hopes of something better), 
those opportunities may never again be available.

Some believers wonder how they can serve the Lord.
They may not have discovered their spiritual gift, 
and consequently they do not know how to use it.
So, what should one do in meantime 
while waiting specific directions from the Lord?

We can seize opportunities that are available.
We can’t do that without keeping alert, praying, and thanking God always.
We can also pray consistently for those who have a burning desire 
to tell others about Jesus and their opportunity for salvation.

We can encourage and pray for those who are dedicated to serving the Lord 
with the spiritual gift He has given them to point others to Jesus.
Lastly, we can create a lifestyle of goodness – living a life of 
righteousness and having a desire to do good things for others.

God often opens all kinds of doors for those who are following the Lord: 
opportunities to speak up for Him, opportunities to minister to someone 
who is hurting or in need, opportunities to make an impact on the world 
around us, just to name a few.
If we allow any of them to pass by 
(maybe because we are waiting for something easier to come along), 
we may miss out on our opportunities altogether.

ACTION:
Sincere followers of the Lord have a desire to serve Him in some capacity.
How are you doing on serving the Lord?
Of course, this is not just some game to play, 
you can have an impact on someone’s destiny with eternity.
If you believe in God, 
then you know the seriousness of your responsibilities.

Are you staying alert for opportunities that He sends your way?
Are you prepared to take advantage of those opportunities?
Do you ignore opportunities if they require you to leave your comfort zone?
Are you fervently praying for, and encouraging fellow believers 
who are actively serving the Lord?
One word of encouragement from you could inspire someone 
who is discouraged and on the brink of giving up, to keep on keeping on.

Pray,
“Heavenly Father, I may not have realized my responsibilities as a follower 
of Jesus, but I do now. Help me to take my responsibilities seriously and 
teach me how to look for the opportunities that You give me. When the 
opportunities come my way, don’t let me neglect them if they seem to be 
difficult or take me out of my comfort zone. I know that when You give me 
opportunities, I will be blessed when I seize them and take action. Give me 
a desire to pray for those who are actively serving You now. Show me how to 
encourage other believers, and especially those actively serving You, such 
as pastors, missionaries and teachers. Help me to discover Your spiritual 
gift especially for me and guide me in using it to bring honor and praise 
to You.”