The first paragraph in this message was the last, but because of its importance and significance, I moved it to the first paragraph. One of the greatest opportunities anyone has in this life is Jesus. Now some of you may stop reading at this point, but I encourage you to continue. If we fail to accept him as our Savior, we lose out on eternal life. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).
There are times in life that God place blessings and opportunities before us and we ignore or forego them. We may be in the right place at the right time to take advantage of an opportunity of a life time, but we just can’t seem to embrace the fact that God would put it right in our face without us even asking. Too often these opportunities may be placed before us when everything is in harmony for us to take advantage, but we are blinded by Satan himself. Don’t you know that the adversary does not wish for believers to advance or progress themselves. A sad commentary is when we disregard opportunities and the will of God for our lives, but we do not realize the missed blessing until years later.
We are taught to, “Be very careful, then, how you live, not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is” (Ephesians 5:15-20). It is foolish for us to deny an opportunity that God has placed before us, yet we sometimes just can’t see clearly because of fear, anxiety, self-doubt, someone speaking negativity into the blessing, too time consuming, etc. are excuses we use for the denial. When that opportunity is before you, pray on it and discern what God would have you to do. If God put it before you, it is for you. What we must remember is, “If God be for us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:31
Do you know of some young people who have given up a full scholarship to college, but passed it all up to do menial jobs. Don’t get me wrong, for college is not for everyone, but if it is going to be for the betterment of living out your dream and destiny, why not at least try it. We have a choice to live with unnecessary weights on our shoulders because we have neglected opportunities or we can take advantage of God’s offer and live out the dream. These are some difficult times for our young people. It is difficult to even get a decent job with a college degree, so just imagine how difficult it is going to be without a college degree. It is even more unimaginable what difficulties our children will face without a high school diploma. Whatever our decision may be, make sure we hear from God.
Sometimes we are afraid to take that gigantic step into the next phase of our future. “The only thing to fear is fear itself.” Those are the words of Franklin D. Rosevelt who spoke them at his inaugural address in 1933. Just imagine the anxiety he must have felt going into the highest office in the United States.
Jesus never said it would be easy, but he said it would be worth it. As Christians, we are called to speak life into our brothers and sisters. May we be encouragers for those who can not see clearly what God has in store for them.
There are times when the adversary will tell you a job or an adventure is too big or too tough for us, but we will not know unless we try them. There are times the adversary will tell you that you do not need God in your life, but I encourage you to rebuke Satan right now.
Sometimes those opportunities are placed before us and if we do not take advantage of them, they may never be available again.
In closing, I am not asking for your money or anything else you may possess, but this morning, I am asking that you make a decision about establishing a relationship with God. If you are ready for that move, call me at 240-416-8541.
Just my thoughts!
Robert Earl Slade, Pastor
