Opportunities are all around us. They come in different ways and they are usually time sensitive. When you evaluate the net effect of your life, it boils down to how you have responded to the opportunities that have crossed your path—when you have said “yes” and when you have said “no.” Looking back and seeing missed opportunities is one of the greatest regrets in life. On the other hand, it is a blessing to look back and see the times when opportunity knocked and you answered, jumped, took that step and it turned out to be amazing. No matter what opportunties you’ve had or mistakes you’ve made in the past, God knows where you are now and He continues to offer new opportunites. He wants the best for you and provides paths, options, and open doors. The greatest opportunity we have is to share our faith with others. Our willingness to say “yes” has eternal impact. The big question is, “Will you jump?”

Scriptures – Ephesians 5:15-16; Matthew 26:36-38, 40-41; 1 Corinthians 4:2; Matthew 16:15; 1 Thessalonians 5:6; 2 Corinthians 2:11; Amos 6:1

Verses – Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. (Ep 5:15-16) So be on guard, not asleep like the others. Stay alert and be clearheaded. (1 Th 6:6)

Thought – Too many followers of Jesus have the idea that once they become a Christian, they have arrived. They’ve boarded the great cruise ship headed for glory. They take up space and grace, lounge on the deck working on their spiritual tans, napping while people are drowning in the water below. Christians need to wake up from carelessness. Satan will do anything to keep you away from church, serving, growing, spiritual maturity. Christians need to wake up from casualness. It’s easy to become nonchalant, just plodding along, doing some things for God but without purpose, passion or power. We need to be aware of God in every moment. And don’t get sidetracked doing “good things” that don’t have Kingdom value. Christians need to wake up from comfortableness. If we are too comfortable, we aren’t aware, we aren’t watching and we miss the opportunities that come our way. Don’t let Satan rock you to sleep! Opportunity often comes with opposition, but push past it, allow God to move you to a new position with greater opportunities and influence. Remember that every person you come in contact with is a soul heading for eternity in 1 of 2 places. Wake up, be alert, be vigilant, watch and pray. Opportunity is knocking.

Questions – How do you develop an awareness of opportunities to share your faith? How do you know if God is opening a door? Describe a time when you shared your faith one on one. What was the outcome? How do you feel when it seems your effort falls flat, or you don’t know if you had any impact? How do you stay passionate about sharing when you don’t see the effect? How hard is it to stay awake in your Christian walk? How much does the desire for comfort hold you back from the Great Commission?

Response – Worship, fellowship, pray, read your Bible. Stay awake by making your spiritual life a priority. Ask God for opportunities to share your faith.

Prayer – Dear Lord, I want to walk close to you so that I am alert and aware of the opportunities you place before me. Give me passion for those who don’t know you. Give me a desire to share my faith with others. Give me boldness to stand for you in the midst of opposition. Help me to remember what’s at stake and to be uncomfortable for you. In Jesus’ Name I pray, amen.