November 18
Finding Opportunity
For to me, living means opportunities for Christ….
Philippians 1:21 (TLB)
Bill Hybels, founding and senior pastor of Willow Creek Community Church, starts everyday, first thing, on his knees. Specifically, he prays God will use him. He prays for opportunities.
What a great example. While most of us aren’t the lead guy for an association of six huge, spirit-filled and moving-out congregations, we can still be used by God in great ways … as He gives us opportunity that is. And that is just what He wants to do—He wants to glorify Himself through us in great ways! The Apostle Paul desired it for himself, but Paul also clues us in—this is God’s purpose for us too (Ephesians 2:10).
This is God’s will, but it will not happen until He has control. It will not happen until we hook up with Him and ask for help.
Serious Christ-followers come to God each day. Certainly, Jesus set the example as He would get away to a private place to be with His Heavenly Father—long before daybreak. So great was His need for the Father, He sometimes prayed the entire night! All through history, from generation to generation, Christ-followers have joined in this pursuit of opportunity. During the difficult days of the Reformation, Martin Luther, himself a great prayer warrior said, “The less I pray, the harder it gets; the more I pray, the better it goes.”
Hmmm…. I think he had something there!
It’s time to follow suit.
Father, let me rise in Your presence and seek Your will. Provide me opportunities to use the gifts, the circumstances, and all the things You bring my way to bring You glory. Amen.
Finding Opportunity
For to me, living means opportunities for Christ….
Philippians 1:21 (TLB)
Bill Hybels, founding and senior pastor of Willow Creek Community Church, starts everyday, first thing, on his knees. Specifically, he prays God will use him. He prays for opportunities.
What a great example. While most of us aren’t the lead guy for an association of six huge, spirit-filled and moving-out congregations, we can still be used by God in great ways … as He gives us opportunity that is. And that is just what He wants to do—He wants to glorify Himself through us in great ways! The Apostle Paul desired it for himself, but Paul also clues us in—this is God’s purpose for us too (Ephesians 2:10).
This is God’s will, but it will not happen until He has control. It will not happen until we hook up with Him and ask for help.
Serious Christ-followers come to God each day. Certainly, Jesus set the example as He would get away to a private place to be with His Heavenly Father—long before daybreak. So great was His need for the Father, He sometimes prayed the entire night! All through history, from generation to generation, Christ-followers have joined in this pursuit of opportunity. During the difficult days of the Reformation, Martin Luther, himself a great prayer warrior said, “The less I pray, the harder it gets; the more I pray, the better it goes.”
Hmmm…. I think he had something there!
It’s time to follow suit.
Father, let me rise in Your presence and seek Your will. Provide me opportunities to use the gifts, the circumstances, and all the things You bring my way to bring You glory. Amen.
posted by Craig Soderquist at 6:50 AM
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