Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. Ephesians 5:16–17 (NLT)
Getting older should change our perspective on life. When we are young, and the majority of our life is still in front of us, the value of time can be lost to us. One of my favorite quotations is from missionary C. T. Studd: “Only one life, ’twill soon be past, only what’s done for Christ will last.”
Whether we are young, or older (please notice that I did not say old), it is important that we understand the value of what God has given us. The KJV challenges us “to redeem the time.” The word can mean “buying up the opportunity.” In reality, none of us really know how much time we have, so it is important not to waste it.
It is not productive to lament missed opportunities of the past. Keep looking and moving forward. We are accountable for what we have received, and not for anything else.
“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” Theodore Roosevelt
How often do we live as if we are unaware of the urgency of the time in which we live? We recall the song by Keith Green: Asleep in the Light.
Do you see?
Do you see?
All the people sinking down?
Don't you care?
Don't you care?
Are you gonna let them drown?
How can you be so numb
Not to care if they come?
You close your eyes and pretend the job's done.
God gave us a commission. Today is the only opportunity that we have with certainty. Don’t waste it.
Where to Begin
We must quickly carry out the tasks assigned us by the one who sent us. The night is coming, and then no one can work. John 9:4 (NLT)
The men of Issachar “understood the signs of the times” (1 Chronicles 12:32). Because of this they understood the best course of action for Israel to take. Jesus said that the night was coming when we would no longer be able to work.
The call to wake up and be alert is a theme seen throughout Scripture. Paul said: This is all the more urgent, for you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. Romans 13:11 (NLT)
If those days were evil two thousand years ago, how much more so today? When we understand the time in which we live, we face a choice. Throughout history evil times have elicited a variety of responses. There are those who will choose to run and hide, even if in vain, while others, emboldened by the Holy Spirit, and outfitted by “The Whole Armor of God,” stand firm against all evil strategies.
We that understand the times stand in agreement. Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. Ephesians 6:18 (NLT)
Light in the Darkness
Jesus replied, “My light will shine for you just a little longer. Walk in the light while you can, so the darkness will not overtake you. Those who walk in the darkness cannot see where they are going. Put your trust in the light while there is still time; then you will become children of the light.” John 12:35–36 (NLT)
Light is powerful. Darkness is never a match for light. In truth, the darker it is the greater the impact of the light. In John’s Gospel we read: The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it. John 1:5 (NLT)
As children we sang: “This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.” Darkness can be full of terror and uncertainty. We may prefer to sleep with a nightlight, but we have a light within us, but we must let it shine rather than hide it under a basket.
This light not only provides illumination for us, but it also lights the way for others as well. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16 (NIV)
When we let our light shine, it will not always be appreciated by others. God’s light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil. All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed. John 3:19–20 (NLT)
Always Be Ready
But set Christ apart as Lord in your hearts and always be ready to give an answer to anyone who asks about the hope you possess. 1 Peter 3:15 (NET)
We have learned from experience that not everyone we know, or meet will care to hear about the hope that we have within us even though so many are “without hope, and without God in this world.” But the point that I have been trying to convey is that when we are given an opportunity, it is important that we don’t waste it.
Like the prodigal son, until someone has reached the end of their own efforts and resources, they are reluctant, or obstinate, in their refusal to ask about our hope. The key to not wasting the opportunity is to be observant, and be ready to give an answer about the great hope that we have in Christ.
There is no certainty as to how long the window of opportunity will be open, so we must always be ready. Those who are without hope, and realize they are without hope will be looking for answers, but not indefinitely. Add to this the fact that we have an adversary who doesn’t like to lose and does everything in his power to take away hope from people.
We should pray for many opportunities to influence people’s lives. We don’t want to waste a single one.
Steve Ekeroth