As we age we sometimes fail to see the opportunities God sets before us. He's constantly opening doors. Who knows -- our final years just might be the best years of our life.
The Latin word for opportunity is opportunitas. It comes from a combination of the word for "in front of" or "open" with the word for "port" or "harbor." The metaphor is of an open channel and a path for a ship to sail for a safe anchorage. I'll never forget sailing from Lahaina Harbor on Maui to the Ala Wai Yacht Harbor in Waikiki. A high school buddy and I decided to rent a 35-foot yacht for the voyage. Negotiating the treacherous Molokai Channel had worn us out, so it was a great relief when we finally saw the faint outline of Diamond Head in the distance and realized that we would soon be safely home.
Paul understood all this. In Eph. 5:16 he tells us to "redeem" or "buy up" the time. The word he uses for "time" could also be translated "opportunity." In fact, the NIV renders Paul expression as "make the most of every opportunity." Who knows when a mundane hour will turn out to be a wonderful opportunity? When I was asked to teach Greek to pastors in Mainland China several years ago, I was thrilled to accept the invitation. Little did I know that my visit would be the first of 13 trips I made to China or that my beginning grammar would be translated into Simplified Mandarin!
Every day, you and I encounter opportunities to serve God. The indwelling Spirit makes us wide awake to such opportunities and gives us the freedom to enter them. As I turn 74 on June 9, my heart's prayer is a simple one:
"Lord, make me usable in 2026. Put me where I can best serve you. Help me be useful so in the end I won't feel useless!"
Friend, make the most of every opportunity God gives you. Start today.