Inspiration
'Stay Open to Opportunity'
by: Pastor James Scarborough, Donalsonville Assembly of God)

If we remain alert, God will allow us to do something positive everyday. Opportunity is not just about self--it is about what we can do for others, too. It could be that great opportunities have escaped our hands because we were so preoccupied with our personal well being that we failed to see doors presented to us by God that could have allowed us to help others.

In the Old Testament book of Esther, Mordecai made an interesting statement to Esther: "For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?" (4:14, NIV).

Through a strange turn of events, the young Jewish girl, Esther, found herself appointed queen of ancient Persia. During this period, some of the Jewish people were returning to Jerusalem after many years of exile in a foreign land, while others, including Esther and her family, remained behind in Persia. In Esther's situation, that which appeared to be coincidence turned out to be the divine intervention of God working quietly behind the scenes. The deliverance from death of the Jewish people in this account came about as the result of the willingness of Esther to take advantage of the opportunity before her. Truly she was put in a royal position for that purpose. While neither you nor I may find ourselves in a position of royalty like that of Queen Esther, we can have a positive influence on others even through the ordinary events of life.

Taking advantages of the opportunities that God gives us is not always convenient. Christ's provision of eternal life for humankind was far from convenient. Consider what He gave up and endured: He left the splendor, glory, and purity of heaven to come to this corrupt world in human form so that He could identify with us and give His life as payment for our sins. Yet He did it because He loved us. Scripture says, "But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). If He was willing to endure such inconvenience for us, surely we should be willing to go out of our way to honor God by reaching out to others with the love that He has placed in our hearts.

Taking advantage of the opportunities that God gives us is not always free from personal risks. Queen Esther put her life on the line for her people. When she prepared to approach the king on behalf of the Jews, she stated, "And if I perish, I perish" (Esther 4:16). Risks are not really risks at all when God is in it! Just as God was with her, we can be confident that He will be with us as we obediently follow Him.

Take a look around and see what opportunities God may be opening up for you. Are you willing to be inconvenienced or to take what seem to be risks in order to follow God fully? He just might have you in a situation-- maybe even one you do not like--so you can be instrumental in making a difference in the life of someone else. Stay open to God's opportunities!