opportunity

Make me know Your ways, O LORD; Teach me Your paths. Psalm 25:4 (NASB)

Early mornings, in the quiet. The birds are not even singing yet. The only noises come from the house and the keys clicking under my fingers. An occasional flipping of pages can be heard. Sometimes the scratching of a pencil across a page. Coffee sipped from a ceramic mug and refilled again. AirPods in ears usher in sounds of praise in certain moments.

Sitting in a circle. Voices sharing experiences. Evidence of the unseen. His hand working in ways only He understands. Awe-inspiring transformations witnessed in the expressions of beautiful faces. Tears dripping because His goodness has been known.

Cushioned seat. Bible on lap. Pen in hand. Listening guide ready to be filled. Praying for no distractions. Which is a miracle in itself with so many people in attendance. But when the Holy Spirit teaches, He quiets distractions. Praying it isn’t the man on the stage wanting the attention for himself but for God to receive worship.

Standing in line, waiting to check out. People busy choosing and chatting. Buzzing around preparing their purchases. Conversations, not always private. What is heard? Gossip or glory? What is shared? Frustration or freedom?

Driving to work. Thinking through what is to come. Traffic is heavy. Everyone vying for the front of the line. But the line is never-ending. Just keep moving. Watching the clock. Do I let the car out that has been stuck at a stop sign because traffic keeps coming with no break between lights?

That scene was not what I wanted my impressionable child to see. The large screen takes prominent place though. There are choices that can come from it.

Opportunities abound. Each moment carries with it possibilities of inviting Him into the day.

How will you invite Him into your day?

“I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:13‬ ‭NASB1995‬‬

You know this verse. I know this verse. This verse is used to encourage anyone that may be struggling. It brings with it a sense of hope that God will see us through anything. And He will.

Have you studied the passage along with the verses before and after? I have but I come to it again and see some new stuff. Not that it wasn’t there before but a new day brings a new perspective.

Going back up the page to verse 10.

“But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned before, but you lacked opportunity.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:10‬ ‭NASB1995‬‬

Paul is rejoicing in the Lord greatly for the Philippians’ revived concern for him. Not that they didn’t have it before but there was something keeping them from displaying it. Maybe they had a headache. Or their car wouldn’t start. Perhaps there was a new series on Netflix they wanted to watch in its entirety and couldn’t make the time. Something kept them from showing concern for Paul, who had shared the gospel message and encouraged them in their walk with Christ. But they were finally showing him their concern.

This is what gets me. I know what he means when he says ‘you lacked opportunity.’ Opportunity is anything that keeps you from it. I allow too many opportunities to get in the way of other opportunities that may prove more worthy of my attention. Yes, I know, some things are out of my control and just can’t be helped! But in the other times what is my excuse?

Not that anyone depends on my concern but from the fellowship with God flows the need to share in others’ concerns. Finding and taking the opportunity to share in each other’s concerns because that is what being the body of Christ is all about. Standing shoulder to shoulder to support one another in life.

Then he shifts gears to let them know that he had learned contentment and that even if they didn’t show their concern he was still content. He is thankful for their concern but his position didn’t change without their attention. His source of contentment never left him.

“Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:11-12‬ ‭NASB1995‬‬

He wanted them to know he didn’t have wants not being met but was content. Having experienced both humble means and prosperity, he had learned a secret. Contentment. This is where verse 13 comes into the picture. After living through good and bad times, he wants them to know the source of his contentment no matter the circumstances.

“I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:13‬ ‭NASB1995‬‬

God had strengthened Paul through his walk with Him. Paul’s journey had been met with some tough circumstances but God saw him through. Not only the hard times but the good as well. God was more than enough to meet his needs and wants. Paul offers us the hope he had already lived and so have we who hold tightly to the continuance of His presence with us.

No matter the circumstances, we can find strength sufficient for the time from God. His provision is more than enough for every circumstance.

Have you experienced this first-hand? Will you encourage others by sharing a quick “Yes” letting us know that God provides for the needs of those who place their trust in Him?

Then go out and be certain to show concern for those in your life. Let them know of your concern. A quick word of encouragement or a kind gesture to remind someone that you care.