God Opportunities

Have you ever had a coincidence that was so special, that it seemed like God orchestrated it?  Well, that is because He did!  Be assured that God is actively at work in your life, creating “God Opportunities,” or “divine appointments” for you. 
A God opportunity is a Spirit led connection that gives you the privilege to be used in God’s service for the advancement of the Kingdom. 
Such divinely orchestrated connections are not unique to us;  they are seen throughout the Scripture. 

• Jesus encounters the Samaritan woman at the well – John 4:1-43
• Jesus meets Zacchaeus and his life is forever changed – Luke 19:1-10
• Peter and John encounter an,d heal a crippled man – Acts 3:1-10
• Philip is unexpectedly sent to the desert by the Holy Spirit to meet an Ethiopian Eunuch – Acts 8:26-40 

Here is the point:  God is always at work coordinating your life in such a way, so you can effectively serve Him and advance the Kingdom. 
Sadly, we often miss those appointments. In our defense, we don’t blow them off intentionally, but because we are so stressed by our own schedule and tasks, we are unaware of the opportunities God places in our path. 
How can we not miss the “God Opportunities” we are given each day? 

1. Everyday, remind yourself that you represent Jesus Christ!

II Corinthians 5:20 – We are ambassadors for Christ…
As a follower of Jesus, you are His representative in your family,  your community and your job.  You are tasked with loving and serving others in His place. That daily reminder will help you to have a “heart and hands of Jesus” perspective. 
2.  Every morning, pray for “God Opportunities.” 
Quite frankly, God will give you “divine appointments” as soon as you surrender your day and your schedule to Him.  Allow Him to be your ministry scheduler.  I guarantee He will do a better job of providing those opportunities than you ever could. 
Psalm 37:23 – The steps of a man (or woman) are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way.
3.  Throughout the day, be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit. 
Romans 8:5 – …for those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. 
Sensitivity to the Holy Spirit is a spiritual discipline that comes from habitual practice.  It involves a conscious effort to maintain communication with the Holy Spirit throughout the day.  I do that by frequently confessing my sin, meditating on Scripture, cultivating an attitude of worship and listening for the Holy Spirit’s voice. 
4.  Throughout the day, be obedient to the Holy Spirit.
This is vital!  You must learn to obey the direction of the Holy Spirit.  Often, such encounters will be inconvenient and uncomfortable.  Remember the response of the Priest and the Levite in the story of the Good Samaritan?  It was inconvenient for them to attend to the man who was left for dead.  Yet, it is precisely in those moments of inconvenience and discomfort that God powerfully works.  
5.  Every evening, reflect upon the opportunities given to you by God.  
As you reflect, you will be reminded of opportunities you missed.  Pray for God to help you not to miss them tomorrow.  You will also rejoice over the way God used you to minister to others.  What a moment of praise!
 Today, you will have “God Opportunities” to be the heart and the hands of Jesus.  Don’t miss them!  Allow Jesus to minister through you!
Remember, Jesus is the master of your time, your finances and your earthly obligations.  As you allow yourself to be led by Him, you will be amazed at how God uses you to make a difference in the lives of others and grow His kingdom.