OpportunitiesOpportunities come to us every day.  Sometimes they are obvious and other times subtle, but they happen none the less.  Sometimes we may respond positively to them or other times just let them slip through our fingers.  There are, I believe, many times we miss the opportunity that God wants to use us; however, for any number of reasons we never follow through.The Apostle Paul was aware of these missed opportunities and gave instructions to the church in Colossae and I feel that we can learn from these instructions as well.First, Paul said to devote yourself to prayer.  No Christian will truly ever appreciate the opportunities that God gives them without a quiet time of prayer.  We need to let God speak to us and we need to let God hear our voice and our hearts.  Everything begins with prayer.  We need to make it a priority in our lives.  "Nothing of any great importance will happen apart from prayer" has been spoken by many Christian leaders.  Prayer should start our day, end our day, and be a part of it all the way along.Secondly, we need to especially pray for others and the opportunities God can provide.  Paul in Colossians 4:3 "At the same time pray for us as well that God will open a door for the world - that we may declare the mystery of Christ, for which I am in prison".  God is not hindered by the things that hinder us.  Paul may have been in a physical prison but that could not stop God's Word from going forth!  Many times an obstacle can be an opportunity in disguise!  Never give up on God!  He could use your difficulty to bring some one to Christ.  Don't miss the opportunity even when it seems like an obstacle.Thirdly, in verse 5 of chapter 4 of Colossians, Paul tells them to "conduct yourselves wisely toward outsiders, making the most of every opportunity".  Paul reminds us of something we already know - people come to know Christ because of other people.  Never forget that wherever you are is your mission field.In conclusion, we will have some new opportunities to be together.  Tuesday nights at 6:30 pm (beginning October 4) we have a Bible study on the Gospel of John.  Wednesday afternoons at 1:00 pm (beginning October 5) we will have a Bible study on the Gospel of Matthew.  Both are great studies and both are an opportunity for you to grow in your faith!  God gives us opportunities - whether you take them or not is up to you. It is my prayer, much like the Apostle Paul, that you would devote yourselves to prayer, pray for others and that the Word would go forth and turn your obstacles into opportunities!

 

Until next time!

Pastor Doug