OPPORTUNITY ON THE HORIZON
... making the most of every opportunity...
Ephesians 5:16a (NIV)
"Now go, for I am sending you to Pharaoh. You must lead my people Israel out of Egypt." But Moses protested to God, "Who am I to appear before Pharaoh? Who am I to lead the people of Israel out of Egypt?" God answered, "I will be with you. And this is your sign that I am the one who has sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God at this very mountain."
Exodus 3:10-12 (NLT)
Moses almost blew a great opportunity. Moses saw only what he lacked, but God saw what he was capable of. Moses made excuses until finally he decided to do what the Lord told him. God chose Moses to lead the Israelites from captivity in Egypt to salvation in the Promised Land. When opportunities arise, we are often like Moses. We make excuses as to why we can't do something or delay our decision, hoping it will make it easier for us to decide. These are the opportunities God wants us to step into without fear.
I remember when I was presented with the opportunity to serve in ministry. It was a new role, and I was nervous, wondering if this opportunity was really from God. I had already thought of all the excuses for why I wouldn't be able to do it. I felt as though I was too broken and too young to be a leader. Eventually, God reminded me that we are all broken, but in Him we are whole and that He wouldn't call us to do something that He hasn't already equipped us for. Opportunities can be uncomfortable as we look at the sacrifices and what lies ahead. At the same time, they provide opportunities for testimony, growth, and the opportunity to see God's glory.
There is never a perfect time to take an opportunity. Opportunities arise day by day and sometimes hour by hour. When presented with an opportunity, trust that God is with you each step of the way and will guide you on the path to take.
APPLICATION: Making the most of every opportunity means paying attention to where God may already be at work in the ordinary moments of your day. Ask Him for wisdom to recognize those moments and courage to step into them.
PRAYER: Jesus, each day I face opportunities. Show me which opportunities are from You and lead me away from the ones that aren't. Help me to make the most out of each opportunity to glorify You. In Jesus' name, Amen.
"… Our Father in heaven…" Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
• What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
"… may your name be kept holy." Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
• What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
"May your Kingdom come soon." Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
• Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
"Give us today the food we need," Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
• Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I'm around today?
"and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us" Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
• Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
"And don’t let us yield to temptation…" Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
• Is there anywhere I'm vulnerable to temptation?