June 10

Opportunity: Big and Small


… this will give you another opportunity to believe …

John 11:15b (NLT)


Life can be a series of tests and, hopefully, triumphs. Disasters, inconveniences, problems are all simply opportunities to express faith in God’s ability to weave the sometimes chaotic details of life into His marvelous plan.

But do we see life this way?

Jesus did. Though He would later weep at Lazarus’ tomb, here He is glad for another chance to increase His followers faith—a key ingredient in living for Him.

For me the challenge is to see God’s hand, somehow, in the small annoyances of my day—the backed up traffic, the crying baby, that hard-to-deal-with person. These seem to be my biggest challenges.

Let disaster strike and I run to Jesus just like Mary the sister of Lazarus. I am immediately overwhelmed and run to the Lord. My hope is all in Christ.

In contrast, it’s the small annoyances that find me walking in circles and wringing my hands. It’s just too easy to complain and react in unfaithful ways. Too soon, I forget, He is my day. He who stooped so low to save me still gives me opportunity to trust Him—each and every day.


Father, even as a believer in Jesus, I can be blind. Help me remember Your promise never to leave me nor forsake me. Help me make the most of all of life’s opportunities by trusting You, by walking in faith. Amen.