OPPORTUNITY – They say it only knocks once.  But that's not true.  We have so many different opportunities coming our way that sometimes we feel oppressed by options.  We even become paralyzed by all the choices we have to make.  Life is filled with possibilities.

Yet, there are a few opportunities in life that are truly life changing – the fork in the road, the Rubicon, the bridge too far, the road less traveled.  They represent choices in response to opportunities that will completely alter the direction our lives take.  In some ways they are opportunities bigger than career tracks, even marriage partners.  They are opportunities that shape just who we are – our very identities and reasons for living.

Ponder what earth-shaking, life-changing opportunities you have confronted.  They may have arrived – not with a bang – but with a whisper.  As you review your life story, are some there some turning points where whole new chapters were written because of opportunities that presented themselves (often in surprising ways, and at least expected times)?  How many of those opportunities were spiritual in nature?  How was God involved?

Jesus certainly broke into lives unexpectedly.  Fishermen, down on their luck, are invited by a stranger on the shore to try again.  A tax collector is so intrigued he closes down his shop and leaves everything to follow Jesus, and throws a banquet in Jesus’ honor for all his “outcast, traitor” friends.  A local town clown, probably playing the part because of being a midget, is coaxed down out of his “nest” in a tree and receives instant absolution.  A lame man who has waited for the “luck of the lottery” for 38 years is restored.  A “woman of the night” tormented by her inner demons is set free and becomes one of Jesus’ most loyal followers.  And the list goes on and on!

Ask yourself the following questions.  Is my name on that list?   Has Jesus come to me and interrupted my life with an opportunity that would forever change the direction of my life?  How have I responded?

The challenge to leave all and follow Jesus is an opportunity that can fly in the face of conventional wisdom  “Stupid!  You'll never make it to the top if you go that way!”  Sometimes the opportunity of faith seems impossible.  “Are you crazy?  It is impossible to change careers this late in your life.” 

Or the opportunity may be more internal.  It may mean letting go of a secret dream.  It could mean being set free from an addiction.  It might involve a return to values or ideals you have set aside long ago.  It will definitely require a rethinking of your whole life perspective – your world view.

Jesus told His followers, “What is impossible for people is possible with God… I tell you the truth,’ Jesus said to them, 'no one who has left home or wife or brothers or parents or children for the sake of the Kingdom of God will fail to receive many times as much in this age and, in the age to come, eternal life.’ ” 
[Luke 18:27, 29 NIV]

Maybe that's the most important opportunity of all.  To follow Jesus wherever and however He leads.  Has that opportunity knocked?  I trust you've opened yourself to the incredible possibilities Jesus provides!

• What were some opportunities that came your way that changed your life?
• In what ways have you perhaps quietly ignored Jesus’ offer to change the entire direction of your life?
• What opportunity do you sense God might be calling you to right now?  How will you respond?