Have you ever looked back and realized that you missed an opportunity that God placed right in front of you? I know I have—more times than I care to admit. It’s a humbling reminder that every day is an adventure with God, and we have no idea what He has in store for us. This truth calls us to live life with our eyes wide open, looking for the opportunities that He places before us each day.
Consider the story of Bartimaeus, a blind man who sat by the roadside begging (Mark 10:46-52). For Bartimaeus, his day started like any other. He was in the same place, making the same pleas for mercy, facing the same seemingly hopeless situation. But what Bartimaeus didn’t know was that his life was about to change. As he sat there, he heard that Jesus was passing by. Without hesitation, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”(Mark 10:47).
This was Bartimaeus’s moment. He didn’t have time to weigh his options or strategize. The opportunity to encounter Jesus was there, and he chose to seize it. He refused to let the crowd silence him, and his persistence caught the attention of Jesus, who stopped, called him over, and healed him, saying, “Go, your faith has healed you” (Mark 10:52).
Bartimaeus’s story is a powerful reminder that God presents us with opportunities every day—some small, some life-changing. Often, these opportunities come without warning, in the midst of our ordinary routines. Like Bartimaeus, we may not have time to prepare or overthink. The key is to recognize these moments and respond with faith.
Ephesians 5:15-16 urges us 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”. This scripture encourages us to walk in wisdom, being mindful of the opportunities God gives us. Whether it’s a chance to help someone in need, share the gospel, or take a step of faith, each opportunity is a divine appointment.
An illustration of this can also be found in the life of Esther. She was placed in a position of influence “for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14). She could have stayed silent, but she chose to seize the moment and act on behalf of her people, leading to their deliverance. Her story teaches us the importance of being ready and willing to act when God places an opportunity before us.
So, how do we ensure that we’re not missing out on what God has for us? It starts with a heart that’s attuned to His voice. We need to cultivate a lifestyle of prayer and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit. When we’re in tune with God, we’re more likely to recognize His promptings and respond with obedience. And our loving God lights our path when we seek Him, so that we can step out in faith and receive His peace. So, let’s pray for the discernment and courage to seize the opportunities that God places before us.
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