Opportunities for grace.

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Wow, it's been quiet here for a while. Like say since last August?! Oh well... no time like the present to be filled with words overflowing :)

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"Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." Ephesians 5:15-20

Make the most of every opportunity. What if opportunities don't always come in a neat box with a pretty bow tied on top? 

We often think of opportunities that way. The opportunity to travel overseas? Take it. The opportunity to climb the corporate ladder and get a raise? Take it. The chance to go to a concert to see your favorite singer? Take it. The opportunity to take a nap on a rainy day? Take it (definitely take this one.)

But what if less than happy circumstances are best opportunities for good? After all isn't that the central message of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the meaning of redemption? There was death, sin, and darkness and through Christ came an opportunity for life, freedom, and light. 

What if dissension is an opportunity for peace? What if hurt is an opportunity to practice forgiveness? What if fear is an opportunity to learn trust? What if weariness is an opportunity to learn strength of the Lord? What if brokeness is an opportunity to experience healing?

After all... it says, "the days are evil." So there will be evil, pain, hurt, dissension, brokeness, and sickness. How beautiful the gospel that there is hope and opportunity that arises from the ashes and dust?

What if emptiness is a place to be more filled with the Spirit? And what if from that filling comes and overflow of thanksgiving and praise to God for everything? 

I'll make the most of that opportunity. 

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