Each Friday my writing stems from a word prompt. Five minutes, one word prompt. The prompt this week is … Opportunity.
They are around us everyday. Everywhere.
The opportunities to do good surround us as we go about the ordinary tasks of life ..
- to smile and make small talk with the teller at the bank
- to let someone into line ahead of us at the grocery store
- to open doors for others
- to give directions
- to bring a meal to a shut-in
- to give up the parking space closest to the store to another
- to encourage the mother shopping while her child sits wailing in the carriage seat
At times, it is easier to take these opportunities with strangers, in the moment. But there is another sort of opportunity we are take:
“Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone – especially to those in the family of faith.” (Galatians 6:10, NLT)
Here we are told yes, do good to everyone, but especially to those in the family of faith. Those you go to church with, those under your own roof.
These opportunities may not come so easily. We’ve done life with these persons, maybe been wounded by their words and actions. To love them and extend goodness may be one of the most difficult opportunities we must enter into.
But Paul tells us we are given opportunity to bless others, especially those in the faith. This is when we should not give up nor grow weary. This will be the very places we will see the harvest.
God’s doing His grand work through the masterpieces He’s created in each of us.
“For we are God’s masterpiece. He created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” (Ephesians 2:10, NLT)
Do the good things.
Make the most of every opportunity.
Especially to those in the family of faith.
~*~*~
After writing my post, Facebook so wonderfully reminded me of this quote I shared a year ago. I love when God works this way!
“Much is beyond our control, but through each day we find defining moments of opportunity to live for the Lord through obedience to His Word. One’s life may not be perfect, but it can be purposeful.” (from Devotions on the Hebrew Bible page 155)
Today I am joining … Five Minute Friday and Faith On Fire and Fresh Market Friday and Faith ”˜N Friends .
Visiting from FMF! What a great reminder. We have so many opportunities. Often, we need to clear our busy schedules of nonessential things to do the essentials things of God.
Katina, yes – nonessentials vs essentials. May we sort these through so as to make the most of our God given opportunities.
A great reminder, thanks.
Love it, Joanne. Even the Facebook memory quote is so spot on with your reflections. I love this:
Do the good things.
Make the most of every opportunity.
Especially to those in the family of faith.
Amen!
Karen, I was so surprised to see the FB memory as I had just finished my post. I love when God works this way. Blessings!
Thank you for reminding us of the many opportunities to share Christ’s love with the world. You always put such a positive spin on the words you reflect on, Joanne. I love reading your Friday prompts.
Laurie, I have no words to express what your comment has meant to me. I so pray that I reflect God’s Word correctly as it has made such a difference in my own life. Thank you for encouraging me today!
I don’t want to miss any of the opportunities to minister, give, listen, be present. I’ve missed too many in the past. xo
I feel the very same way, Susan.
Isn’t true (sad but true) that we can so easily become weary “doing good” with and for those closest to us – under our roof or with whom we worship?? No doubt that is the reason for a specific admonition in scripture. Such a practical reminder today. I want to look for and anticipate opportunities to be a blessing….especially in these special places!
Me as well!
I used to think of Number One,
but God changed all those plans;
when my life came quite undone,
I woke up in His Hands.
He handn’t made me for the fun
of following my dreams;
the race that he bade me run
went through a vale of screams.
I guess He saw a fitness
to fight against the odds
and in cancer’s hell to witness
that all the good was God’s.
If in this I am ‘anointed’,
can’t say that I am disappointed.
My husband is a banker and regularly forgets to do OUR bank business. My brother in law is a contractor but my sister has lived with unfinished closets for years! Sometimes it IS harder to serve those closest to us isn’t it! “Do the good things” is a reminder I need! Your words have encouraged me!
I like where you went here. I’m going to do my very best to do good for others!