OPPORTUNITY!

OPPORTUNITY!

Gal 6:10

10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

Phil 4:10

10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity.

Acts 24:25

25 And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.

In a recent sermon, Dr. Charles Stanley said: “An opportunity is defined as a favorable occasion when we have the option of making a decision that could have a positive impact.” Merriam – Webster defines opportunity as “a favorable set of circumstances or a chance for advancement.” As we live our lives routinely, we are occasionally presented with wonderful opportunities. Most of these opportunities are disguised as problems.

In Galatians, Paul urges us to make good use of the opportunities we have to “do good to all men.” Often we think that we should phone a shut-in or perhaps take a plate of cookies to someone who is lonely but soon we become busy and we let the moment slip by without action. We have seen the death of opportunity. This good thought lies in a heap with other good intentions that died for lack of action.

In Philippians, Paul excuses their failure in financial contributions by saying that they “lacked opportunity.” Their bank account was not as strong as their desire to help. Poverty had limited their opportunities.

The most tragic illustration is that of Felix the ruler who heard the Apostle Paul speak of sin, righteousness and judgment to come. So convincing was Paul’s arguments that Felix trembled. He knew that he was a sinner and estranged from God. He knew that he had failed in living righteously and stood condemned by the invisible God. He was terrified at the thought of one day giving account of his motives and actions before such a holy being but he claimed that this was not an opportune time. He claimed that one day, soon, he would hear Paul again. In this simple manner Felix’s eternal destiny was determined.

Today God presents you with yet another favorable set of circumstances. Once again He pleads: “Come, let us reason together; let’s talk this over. Even though your sins are as red as blood, I can make them clean and white as snow.” Today is Sunday. You have yet another opportunity to attend church, to deal with your sin and to respond to God’s invitation. What will you do with this great opportunity? Judas kissed the face of God yet went “to his own place.”

Dear Lord, help me to clearly see the opportunities laid before me. AMEN