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DON’T MISS YOUR CHANCE

Luke 10:25-34 “And a lawyer stood up and put Him to the test, saying, "Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" 26 And He (Jesus) said to him, "What is written in the Law? How does it read to you?" 27 And he answered, "YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR STRENGTH, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND; AND YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF." 28 And He said to him, "You have answered correctly; DO THIS AND YOU WILL LIVE." 29 But wishing to justify himself, he said to Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?" 30 Jesus replied and said, "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among robbers, and they stripped him and beat him, and went away leaving him half dead. 31 "And by chance a priest was going down on that road, and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 32 "Likewise a Levite also, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 "But a Samaritan, who was on a journey, came upon him; and when he saw him, he felt compassion, 34 and came to him and bandaged up his wounds, pouring oil and wine on them; and he put him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn and took care of him.” NASU

In the story of the Good Samaritan, 3 people were given an opportunity to help a dying man lying by the side of the road. Only one took it—the other 2 were too busy and missed it.

We tend to think if God is going to use us, it’ll be after we have formal training, fasted and prayed, analyzed every angle, weighed the pros and cons, and have all of our ducks in a row! Usually by that time, we have past the opportunity. We are coming by opportunities every day. The question is, will we act on them, or pass them by?

The priest and the Levite were in the “helping” profession, yet neither stopped to help. So often we pray, “Lord give me an opportunity to minister,” yet when He does, we miss it because either we’re too preoccupied, or we’re looking for something “big.” The danger in “passing by” is that after a while you don’t see the need anymore!

Keep your heart open this week, you might have the opportunity to “pour in oil and wine,” and make a difference in somebody’s life. You are already equipped for the opportunity. The Good Samaritan was on a journey just like you and me. We are all headed somewhere to do something! What you may be struggling with right now, is probably part of your preparation for what God wants to lead you beside tomorrow.

Remember Joseph’s problems as God was preparing him? Remember how his brothers were a little nervous about standing before him? In Genesis 50:19-21, “Joseph said to them, "Do not be afraid, for am I in God's place? 20 "As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive. 21 "So therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones." So he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.” NASU

God had prepared Joseph and gifted him with what he needed to meet the need. God had prepared and gifted the Samaritan with everything he needed to help! He was responsible to use the gifts God had given him.

When God brought David to the palace it seemed that he was nothing more than a simple shepherd boy. But God said, “You’re about to be promoted. I saw you kill the bear and the lion; I was watching you when you didn’t even realize it.”

Solomon said in Proverbs 18:16, “that a man’s gift makes room for him.” David’s gift may only have been a sling, but it opened the door to his future as Israel’s greatest king. He also used his gift to kill Goliath! Any time you fight the enemy, use only what you’re gifted in! Don’t try wearing someone else’s armor; it won’t fit.

Even if what you’ve got to work with doesn’t seem like much, if God’s behind it it’ll be more than enough to do the job. When God spoke to Moses in Exodus 4:2 He asked him, “What is that in your hand?” He answered, “A rod.” Imagine a regular old walking stick! But God--there it is again, BUT GOD, used it to part the Red Sea.

Again, I believe that God’s already equipped you to do the job! Just realize what God has given you and start using it. All God wants is a teachable spirit, a yielded heart, and somebody who’ll pray, “Lord, if you’ll make me able, I’m more than willing.”

When we give back to God what He has given to us, and He adds to it His power, that makes us unbeatable for His kingdom!

See you in service!

Pastor Mike