Thought for Monday, November 5th

November 5, 2012

If Opportunity Knocked – Would You Be Ready

“I’ll study and get ready and be prepared for my opportunity when it comes.”

-       Abraham Lincoln

  A wise youth makes hay while the sun shines, but what a shame to see a lad who sleeps away his hour of opportunity.

Proverbs 10:5

If opportunity were knocking at our door: and we knew it was there; especially if it was an opportunity to do work at the church or get involved in a new ministry; I wonder how many of us would refuse to answer?

Sadly, I’ve encountered a lot of people who bemoan the fact that they don’t feel useful to God: when often they fail to avail themselves of the many opportunities God has dropped in their lap, because they don’t feel it’s a big enough or an important enough thing for them to do

To whom much is given; much is required and with God we sometimes need to prove ourselves worthy and faithful with the smaller things before He is willing to give us something bigger.  But in truth, in God’s kingdom there really are no big or small jobs, great or menial tasks: when done with a heart of love and a willingness to serve: all the things we do for Him are important.  And often it is that thing we may perceive as being the least significant that will, in the end, have the biggest and most lasting impact and result.

As Christians, often what we really need to do is answer every door of opportunity when there is a knock and trust that God will give us strength, wisdom and discernment to know what He wants us to help with, commit to and maybe even stick with for a season or two.

If you are feeling less than useful in the work of God’s kingdom, maybe it is because you aren’t willing to step up to the opportunity that is lying at your feet.

Study, pray and be ready and be assured if you want to serve: God will bring an opportunity to you: it may just not be what you expect.

Today’s Prayer

Father, may I be willing to take every opportunity to do what you want me to: where you want me to: when you want me to; and in the way that you want me to do it.

“There is a candle in every soul

Some brightly burning, some dark and cold

There is a Spirit, who brings a fire

Ignites a candle and makes His home.

Frustrated brother see how he’s tired to

light his own candle some other way.

See now your sister she’s been robbed and lied to

Still holds a candle without a flame.

So carry your candle, run to the darkness

Seek out the lonely, the tired and worn.

Hold out your candle for all to see it,

Take your candle, go light your world.“

-  Lyrics from ‘Go Light Your World’ by Chris Rice