There is something special that happens whenever the gospel is preached. I’m sure you have witnessed it yourself. As an Evangelist I can recall so many times where as the gospel is preached to just one person, or many thousands, depending on the setting; people are gripped almost spellbound by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. The place is charged with a wonderful atmosphere of faith; the atmosphere of heaven.
I know at any time or place, a person can make a decision for Jesus, but I also know there are special moments in God, where God makes an entry in His calendar and makes an appointment and it’s one of those ‘window of opportunity’ moments for so many. The opportunity to receive the indescribable gift of salvation, is the opportunity of a lifetime and as a ministry, we are committed to presenting it to as many people as possible!
There are all kinds of opportunity in life. The Bible says to ask God for rain in the time of latter rain. There is a time to press in and pray for revival. There are seasons in nature and there seasons in life. There are times to sow and times to reap a harvest. Of course because of Jesus’ finished work all of us have the opportunity to appropriate the unlimited benefits of the atonement.
Jesus said in John 14:13-14 “Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name I will do it.” I’ve always wondered about this scripture. ‘Whatever you ask’ and ‘anything’ is quite an offer! But when you consider the terrible price Jesus paid to restore us to relationship with God, to redeem us from sin and all the effects of sin, you begin to get some context for this scripture. Because of what Jesus has done for you, there is nothing God will not do for you!
Now of course this scripture needs to be understood in light of the entire context of the bible. When we ask, we need to consider things like the purity of our motives, whether the thing we are asking for brings glory to God. We can’t be asking for sinful pleasures to be fulfilled for example, God won’t answer a prayer like that. But as believers, all of us have a wonderful opportunity afforded to us because of Jesus finished work, and we need to be seizing that opportunity!
The Bible is full of stories of people who seized the opportunity of a lifetime. Blind Bartimaeus (Mark 10:46-53), the woman with the issue of blood (Luke 8:43-48), the man at the beautiful gate (Acts 3), the man at the Bethesda pool. (John 5) Every time Jesus comes close, there is an opportunity of a lifetime. A miracle changes everything!
Then of course there are stories in the Bible where people missed opportunities. An entire generation of the children of Israel missed the opportunity of a life time to enter the promised land, because they were intimidated by the obstacles. The spies were sent into the land and brought back differing reports. (Numbers 13)
Those who believed God was able to give them the land went in with the next generation of Israelites, those who didn’t missed out. Many times the opportunities God presents come with some obstacles, but I want to encourage you, don’t let those things stop you getting ahold of what he has planned.
I remember in January 2011 I had the opportunity to be involved with Dr TL Osborn’s last great overseas Gospel Campaign in India. I wasn’t going to miss it for anything. At the time I had no funds for the flights, days before we left we had a record snowstorm in Tulsa, Oklahoma that shutdown the roads and the airport. I was still determined to get there. Somehow the funds came in with hours to spare and some friends drove me through treacherous conditions to Oklahoma City where we were able to fly out to Delhi, India.
I remember sitting on stage next to Dr TL Osborn in front of the many thousands gathered, pinching myself, feeling like the whole thing was a dream. He had me share at various times and pray the closing prayer, it was a life changing, humbling experience. Sometime opportunities present themselves and we need to put aside all the difficulties, impossibilities and say nothing is going to stop me seizing this opportunity!
Of course the opportunity many times has a limited lifetime. I have seen those who have not responded to the gospel and perhaps during their lifetime they will be given a few more opportunities, but if the opportunity is not seized, they will miss out. Today I want to encourage you, to seize the opportunity that God has afforded you by virtue of the Cross. To lay ahold of that for which Christ Jesus has laid ahold of you. (Philippians 3:12)
Maybe today you have an opportunity presented to you and you’re wondering about all the reasons why you shouldn’t take it. I want to encourage you, never let fear decide your fate. Trust the leading of God and take that step of faith, seize that opportunity, don’t live a life of regret. Make the decision to follow God and take those opportunities He presents.
Maybe today you’re believing God for a miracle, I want to encourage you to press into God afresh. Thank God for what Jesus did on the cross, receive all that He has purchased for you. Ask God for those things and extend your faith and trust afresh today. I’m just believing God with you for a miracle today.
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