Life Journal October 14, 2007
Today's readings: Nehemiah 11, 12; Psalm 1; Acts 3

Watching for the Opportunity

Scripture

"Peter and John went to the Temple one afternoon to take part in the three o'clock prayer service. As they approached the Temple, a man lame from birth was being carried in. Each day he was put beside the Temple gate, the one called the Beautiful Gate, so he could beg from the people going into the Temple. When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for some money.

"Peter and John looked at him intently, and Peter said, 'Look at us!' The lame man looked at them eagerly, expecting a gift. But Peter said, 'I don't have any money for you. But I'll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!'

"Then Peter took the lame man by the right hand and helped him up. And as he did, the man's feet and anklebones were healed and strengthened. He jumped up, sood on his feet, and began to walk! Then, walking, leaping and praising God, he went into the Temple with them.

"All the people saw him walking and heard him praising God. When they realized he was the lame beggar they had seen so often at the Beautiful Gate, they were absolutely astounded! They all rushed out to Solomon's Colonnade, where he was holding tightly to Peter and John. Everyone stood there in awe of the wonderful thing that had happened.

"Peter saw his opportunity and addressed the crowd."

Observation

We need to always be looking for the doors that God opens for us to be able to share the Good News.

Application (How will I be different today because of what I have just read?)

How often has God opened a door or made a way for me to share the Good News and I have missed my chance? Peter looked for those opportunities. "Everyone stood there in awe of the wonderful thing that had happened. Peter saw his opportunity and addressed the crowd." He was watching for opportunities to share about Jesus.

I believe God still gives us opportunities for us to share the Good News. I think we miss a lot of them. It might not be someones healing, but there are many times God does something amazing and we don't use that opportunity to tell about the One who did it.

I must be continually watching and praying for those opportunities . . . and then make the most of them.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, open my eyes so that I don't miss the opportunities You give me to share the Good News of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Give me a boldness and may I always be prepared with a Word of the hope that I have. Thank You!