Making The Most Of Every Opportunity

Colossians 4:5-6 says, "Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone."

I realize that as I write this, I'm taking a portion of this verse of out context.  But this particular portion spoke to my heart this morning when I considered some of the things I had heard or read.  There was a word that also kept repeating itself in my mind.  Prayer.

I will be the first to admit that my prayer life isn't everything I would like it to be.  I think there are many reasons behind that, but they all only add up to a bunch of excuses.  I should be praying way more than I do.  And to say, "My work keeps me so busy" or "I slept really late so I got behind on other things", just doesn't cut it.

The first instance I saw this morning was a Facebook friend saying, "I'm up way too early.  Grrrrr."  My instant thought was, "God wants you to pray!"  I didn't say that to her...I probably should have.  Second, my best friend from college told me this morning that her father was just diagnosed with prostate cancer.  My first thought was, "Pray for healing!"  While I was talking to her, my husband texted me and told me that the truck he was driving today broke down and he has to wait for someone to come and fix it.  I just texted him and told him that I felt like God wanted him to use this time to pray.

How often do things happen that we consider inconveniences in our lives (or even tragedies), and all God wants is for us to stop for a second and talk to Him?

According to Scripture, we're supposed to make the most of every opportunity.  In this particular passage, I know God is talking about being a witness for Him to other people.  But what about other opportunities we're presented with?  Are we making the most of those opportunities?

I'm talking to myself as much as I'm talking to anyone else.  So, please don't feel that I'm pointing my finger at you.

When I'm sitting in the doctor's office waiting for an appointment, do I make the most of that opportunity?  Do I read the Bible on the app on my phone?  Or do I sit there and play games?  How about when I'm sitting on the couch while my husband is watching something that only he likes on television?  Or when I am at the store and I see someone who needs help?  There are a million different scenarios and a million different opportunities.  I'm not saying I need to completely stop everything that isn't "Godly".  For instance, I don't really think God cares if I play the "Bubble Pop" game on my phone.  But, each of those things has their place.  Facebook has its place.  My business blog has its place.  My clients have their place.  None of them should take the place of God.

Sometimes God creates times for us when we'll want to spend a few minutes with Him.  Time that's out of the ordinary time.  I spent time with God this morning when I did my devotions.  It was beautiful, rich time.  But when He calls my name today because He wants me to be with Him again...will I be listening?

I'm going to work on that.  I hope you will too.