How do I make the most of the opportunities God gives me?

John 9:4“We must quickly carry out the tasks assigned us by the one who sent us. The night is coming, and then no one can work.”

To make the most of God-given opportunities, we must think strategically, understanding that time and life are short. This usually means acting quickly and decisively.

Proverbs 1:24-25, 33“I [Wisdom] called you so often, but you wouldn’t come. I reached out to you, but you paid no attention. You ignored my advice and rejected the correction I offered. . . . But all who listen to me will live in peace, untroubled by fear of harm.”

To make the most of God-given opportunities, we should be listening for him to reveal them to us and to guide us.

Genesis 39:4, 6He [Potiphar] put him [Joseph] in charge of his entire household and everything he owned. . . . With Joseph there, he didn’t worry about a thing.

Genesis 41:1, 14, 39-40Two full years later, Pharaoh dreamed that he was standing on the bank of the Nile River. . . .Pharaoh sent for Joseph at once, and he was quickly brought from the prison. After he shaved and changed his clothes, he went in and stood before Pharaoh. . . . Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has revealed the meaning of the dreams to you, clearly no one else is as intelligent or wise as you are. You will be in charge of my court, and all my people will take orders from you. Only I, sitting on my throne, will have a rank higher than yours.”

Responsibility will open doors of opportunity. How we handle each responsibility will determine whether or not we will be trusted with more. Joseph was unjustly thrown into prison. He could have whined and complained, become bitter and done nothing. Instead, he seized every opportunity he could in his situation, quickly became trusted for taking responsibility, and eventually rose again to great prominence in Egypt.

1 Corinthians 16:8-9In the meantime, I will be staying here at Ephesus until the Festival of Pentecost. There is a wide-open door for a great work here, although many oppose me.

To make the most of our God-given opportunities, we need to be flexible and change our plans when necessary.

Acts 11:19-21Meanwhile, the believers who had been scattered during the persecution after Stephen’s death traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch of Syria. They preached the word of God, but only to Jews. However, some of the believers who went to Antioch from Cyprus and Cyrene began preaching to the Gentiles about the Lord Jesus. The power of the Lord was with them, and a large number of these Gentiles believed and turned to the Lord.

1 Peter 3:15-16If someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way.

To make the most of our God-given opportunities, we need to be prepared to share the Good News of Christ’s salvation.

Deuteronomy 1:21, 30“‘Look! He has placed the land in front of you. Go and occupy it as the Lord, the God of your ancestors, has promised you. Don’t be afraid! Don’t be discouraged!’” . . . “‘The Lord your God is going ahead of you. He will fight for you, just as you saw him do in Egypt.’”

To make the most of our God-given opportunities, we need to respond with courage and faith in God when those opportunities arise.

Genesis 50:19-21Joseph replied, “Don’t be afraid of me. Am I God, that I can punish you? You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people. No, don’t be afraid. I will continue to take care of you and your children.” So he reassured them by speaking kindly to them.

Acts 11:19Meanwhile, the believers who had been scattered during the persecution after Stephen’s death traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch of Syria. They preached the word of God, but only to Jews.

Acts 16:6-10Next Paul and Silas traveled through the area of Phrygia and Galatia, because the Holy Spirit had prevented them from preaching the word in the province of Asia at that time. Then coming to the borders of Mysia, they headed north for the province of Bithynia, but again the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them to go there. So instead, they went on through Mysia to the seaport of Troas. That night Paul had a vision: A man from Macedonia in northern Greece was standing there, pleading with him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us!” So we decided to leave for Macedonia at once, having concluded that God was calling us to preach the Good News there.

To make the most of our God-given opportunities, we need to see unexpected changes or difficulties as opportunities to serve God.

Acts 21:37-40As Paul was about to be taken inside, he said to the commander, “May I have a word with you?” “Do you know Greek?” the commander asked, surprised. “Aren’t you the Egyptian who led a rebellion some time ago and took 4,000 members of the Assassins out into the desert?” “No,” Paul replied, “I am a Jew and a citizen of Tarsus in Cilicia, which is an important city. Please, let me talk to these people.” The commander agreed, so Paul stood on the stairs and motioned to the people to be quiet. Soon a deep silence enveloped the crowd, and he addressed them in their own language, Aramaic.

Like Paul, we may have to use our wits to take advantage of an opportunity.