Opportunity

• 
  

  "...for a wide door for effective service has opened to me..." 1 Corinthians 16:9
  "...I have put before you an open door, which none can shut..." Revelation 3:8
  
  
  
• 
• 
  
• Opportunity...
  
• 
  What an interesting word. I gave a devotion about 10 years ago for a small group of sisters centered around that word. It still intrigues me.
  
  First of all, what does the word mean? Noah Webster's Dictionary says:
  1. (n.) A time or place favorable for executing a purpose; a suitable combination of conditions; suitable occasion; chance.
  2. (n.) Convenience of situation; fitness.
  (n.) Importunity; earnestness.
  
  Secondly, what are the opportunities for which we look? Are we looking for the chance to work or play? Serve or be served? Share or receive? Learn or languish? Encourage or criticize? This list could go on and on. All of life is about choices. Consciously or subconsciously, we look for (or miss) opportunities all the time. It is true that we make time for those things which are most important to us. I believe that it follows that we see opportunities that are important to us, too.
  
  At the time I gave the devotion, finding time to read my Bible was especially challenging. I was a homeschooling mother of 8 children, one of which was profoundly handicapped and not sleeping well at night. As I explained to the gathered ladies, I began an earnest, continuous search for “a time or place favorable for executing (my) purpose”, which included praying for it. It was the desire of my heart to find that opportunity. God answers that kind of prayer.
  
  I suggest that the desires and inclinations of our heart and mind will dictate whether we recognize and use the opportunities God gives us. If our flesh rules, we will likely readily see opportunities to please the flesh with indulgence, entertainment, and ease. If the Holy Spirit rules, we are more likely to recognize opportunities for service, study, prayer, outreach, witnessing, ministering and fellowship. These choices not only implicate our time, but our thoughts, energy and other resources.
  
  Perhaps, in this time in history, and in this country, we have more opportunities than anyone has ever had, and yet, the question remains: How do we use them? Here are a few suggestions from the Word of God: (New American Standard Bible)
  
  For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. Galatians 5:13
  
  Jesus said to them, "For a little while longer the Light is among you. Walk while you have the Light, so that darkness will not overtake you; he who walks in the darkness does not know where he goes.” John 12:35
  
  We must work the works of Him who sent Me as long as it is day; night is coming when no one can work. John 9:4
  
  So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith. Galatians 6:10
  
  Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. Colossians 4:5
  
  Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:15-16
  
  “Here is an opportunity for endurance on the part of God's people, who carefully keep His commandments and the faith of Jesus!" Revelation 14:12 (Weymouth New Testament)