Make the Most of Every Opportunity

Research shows we make 35,000 decisions A DAY. From what time we’ll wake up in the morning, what we’ll wear, to what we’ll eat each day, and every little thing in between. We make decisions without realizing we’re even making decisions! If you’re indecisive like me, you probably have to look up the menu before you go to a restaurant. With so many choices, I have to be prepared! It's a bit overwhelming! Being indecisive can make you an overthinker as well. I heard before that we often talk ourselves out of opportunities, especially gospel opportunities, because we overthink. It’s been said that once a thought comes to mind for a decision, you have 2 seconds to act on said decision, or you’ll talk your way out of it. Think about it. “I need to go to the gym.” The thought should have ended there but you know what's coming next right? “Well, I am tired today, I’ll just go tomorrow.” Tomorrow turns into the next day, and the next day. You get the point. The same goes for opportunities given to us by God! How many times have you thought about inviting that person to church, but talked your way out of it? Thought about volunteering at church, but talked your way out of it? Thought about confronting that person about their sin, but talked your way out of it? I know I have!!! God loves to give us “divine appointments,” moments where the holy spirit is leading you to make a decision, but you overthink it. We all have had opportunities pass us by and then we regret it later. Just recently I was convicted about inviting my neighbor to church. I saw she was outside, but then my daughter tripped and got really hurt. After I cleaned her up and calmed her down, my neighbor was back inside. Deep down I was relieved “I got out of it” because I was nervous. God didn’t let me get away with it though. Later that day, my neighbor happened to be in her back yard (which is rare) at the exact time when I was outside playing with my daughter. I knew it was a God given opportunity and the Lord giving me another chance. At that moment I could feel the excuses boiling up inside, but I swallowed my pride and talked to her. She thanked me for the invite, and it went well! I took advantage of the opportunity and listened to the holy spirit. God is going to give each of us opportunities to point people to him, grow in our faith, and take the next step spiritually. Sadly, all too often we ignore the prompting and listen to ourselves. We talk our way out of spiritual growth. In our verse today, we are called to take advantage of every opportunity, not letting them pass us by. To do so is wise! Being an overthinker when it comes to meaningless things like what color socks to wear or what ice cream to order is one thing. Being an overthinker with God is another story. Our verse ends with one thing in mind, “The days are evil.” Tomorrow isn’t promised. Each day we find ourselves closer to the return of Jesus. Don’t waste your life.