Taking Opportunities

Last Sunday, I was asking the Lord about the directions ahead and I felt the word ‘take opportunities’. My sensing for the next 6 months will be a season whereby tremendous opportunities will be given but the challenge is to take them or seize them.

I want to share some of my thoughts on this issue:

1.      We need faith to take opportunities because when opportunities come and we are afraid or hesitant, we will not seize it and therefore lose the rewards. There is a saying ‘Nothing Venture Nothing Gain’

2.      We need resources to take opportunities because when opportunities come and we do not have to ‘seeds’ to sow in those opportunities, or if we do not have the capacity to harvest in those opportunities, then will also be no reward.

3.      We need discernment and understanding to take opportunities. Knowing the right (Karios) time and the right boat to jump into is important.

·        While we must be quick to take opportunities, we must know that not every ‘opening’ is a God-given one. We need discernment and understanding.

·        For example, the boat has its own set of timing to wait for the passengers in the ferry terminal. After the last call for boarding, it will leave for its destination. Likewise, the opportunity will have its timing in play (days, weeks, months). We can still board it before the last call. Therefore, we need to understand the nature of that God-given opportunity.   

4.      One of the verses that came to my mind is when Paul wrote in Ephesians 5:15-16

·        Personally, the NKJV translated more accurately the Greek text in Ephesians 5:15-16 (NKJV) ¹⁵ See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, ¹⁶ redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

·        The word ‘See’ is in the imperative. It is a command.

·        The word ‘walk’ is the main verb of the text.

·        The word ‘redeeming’ can be translated to ‘make the most of, make good use of’.

·        The word ‘the time’ is referring to the kairos time = season, an occasion, a window of time, an opportunity

·        Principle: Since the light of God illuminates us (v13-14), we are commanded to see and gain sight that we walk and live carefully. The approach of our careful walk is by making the most of the karios time because the days are evil.

5.      If we do not have faith, let’s start building. If we do not have the resources, let’s start preparing. If we do not have the discernment and understanding, ask God and stay close to Him. You will hear Him clear.   

6.      These 6 months can be a wonderful headstart for the year 2012 if we understand what is ahead. Take opportunities.

Jonathan Teo

27^th Oct 2011