"Opportunity Knocks"
Genesis 30:1-31:16
Matthew 10:1-23
Psalm 12:1-8
Proverbs 3:13-15
I love board games. One of the games I enjoy playing is one I played as a kid called "Careers". If you've not played it, it's similar to "LIFE" in that you determine a career, collect a salary, etc. What's exciting is when you land on a space called "Opportunity Knocks". You draw a card and it holds the potential to get you into a more profitable career, make more money, or other exciting things. Of course you have the option of taking advantage of the opportunity, or not.
In Matthew 10, Jesus is sending out his disciples, and giving them authority to proclaim the gospel. As he's giving them instruction, Jesus says, "But beware! For you will be handed over to the courts and will be flogged with whips in the synagogues. You will stand trial before governors and kings because you are my followers. But this will be your opportunity to tell the rulers and other unbelievers about me." (Matt. 10:17-18)
"...this will be your opportunity..." How much do you desire THAT opportunity knocking at your door?? We're so blessed to live in the United States where we are free to worship as we please. Sure, there exists opposition, but we don't have people attending services each week who do so under fear of being whipped publicly in the city. Sad to say it IS happening around the world. This is very real today.
Because we are "free", we feel we have "rights". So we're quick to yell, "It's not fair!!!" We're quick to pray for deliverance when any type of trial comes. We want to flee anything that even has the scent of persecution. But Jesus says, "This will be your opportunity."
What if we looked at every trial and situation as an "opportunity"?
Jesus says, "When you are arrested, don't worry about how to respond or what to say. God will give you the right words at the right time. For it is not you who will be speaking - it will be the Spirit of your Father speaking through you." (Matt. 10:20)
If we began to see every element of life as an "opportunity", we would begin to "practice" allowing the Spirit to speak through us. We would be experiencing greater power and greater works on a daily basis. Does this mean persecution would cease? No. It just means we would have more opportunities!
Look for opportunities today!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
Pastor Greg Lathe
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
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