Recognize the opportunity when it comes.

“Pay attention to how you live.” There is a right way to proceed in life and there is a wrong way to proceed in life. You can accidentally do it wrong. You can drift with the current of society and mess up your life without much planning. But if your life is going to be meaningful and wholesome and rewarding you will have to exercise some thought and diligence.

In Ephesians 2:10 the Bible says, “For you are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for you to do.” Did you catch the significance of those last few words concerning the good works God has for you to do? It says, “…which God has prepared in advance for you to do.” God already knows the opportunities He is going to give you. He’s made all the preparations for it to happen. He is preparing you. You are His workmanship. He has prepared the opportunities.

Recognize the opportunity when it comes. God provides the opportunity. It is your responsibility to be alert, watchful, to see it for what it is and step out into it. You don’t want to miss any God-given opportunities. You want to be awake spiritually. You want to pay attention to what’s happening. You want to grab the opportunity while it is still an opportunity!

The Bible tells you “…because the days are evil.” There are evil influences at work in the world you live. If you’re not careful you can be turned aside, derailed, from your true purpose. “How shall you escape if you neglect so great a salvation…?” (Heb.2:3)? Spiritual lack of concern is dangerous in the world you live. Without some due care and diligence you can miss the will of God for your life. You can miss out on important opportunities.

In your circumstances do you see an excuse or an opportunity? Every season of life is an opportunity or an excuse depending upon how you look at it. You will find what you’re looking for. Can you look at the circumstances of your life and see the hand of God at work? Can you see the big picture of God’s purpose and put your immediate circumstances in that context?

So, a difficulty arises. What do you see? Do you see trouble? You’re offended that it is there. You’re discouraged. No! Look beyond the difficulty. See the big picture. See God working all things together for your good—orchestrating events and circumstances to build your character and faith in Him.