Opportunity Knocks
Throughout our lives, we will always have choices and decisions to make. Opportunities come our way, and we have to decide how to respond to them. Ironically, our responses often lead to other opportunities. Of course, when we fail to act on them in a timely matter, they grow wings and fly away. Keep in mind that a number of them come from God, some of which are His response to our prayers.
God has heard our prayers about changing society for the better, and has opened the door to all of us to participate in making those changes. When we ask God to move in areas of life, how He answers them are not always what we expect. In this particular case, His answer involves our participation. Contrary to what some believe, He doesn’t always do everything, especially when He has given some of them to us to accomplish. That better society thing is one of them.
How many expect the Lord to wave a magical wand, and suddenly humanity changes for the better? He can do anything He wants in whatever manner pleases Him. That makes Him God. In this case, things are not going to get better without us. In fact, some of the negative things we see in society is the result our failure to obey His Word. So here we are. He has poured out His grace upon us to make a difference. Remember, the Cross of Jesus Christ and the Resurrection are His answer to society’s woes. Jesus told us what to do.
Matthew 28:19-20 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Corinthians 3:8-9 Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.
How are We to Respond
Isaiah 6:8 Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.
The Prophet, Isaiah, gave us the example. It begins with a willingness to go. Staying open to whatever He desires of us, and allowing Holy Spirit to lead the way, places us on the right track. For some, it might mean going to another nation. Perhaps, it means taking a position in government at whatever level. There is a plethora of possibilities of where disciples might be sent. For many, it will simply mean staying where you’re planted. Wherever we find ourselves are places of opportunity.
Part of going is simply being who we need to be for God. In this, we walk in His grace whereby we are able to do the things of God we cannot do on our own. It means extending mercy to those who are in dire need of mercy. In short, it means walking in His love. When people feel hopeless, they may become desperate, which leads to ungodly results. The reason many feel hopeless is because they haven’t experienced God’s love. That’s where we come into the mix. If we love our neighbors, we will see unexpected changes. Our neighbors are not limited to the people next door.
Remember the ripple effect. It only takes one single stone to move the water.
