You’re in a hurry, so much to do. Things are not going as planned. To be sure, such frustrating situations can be stressful but the Bible says, “Make the most of every opportunity” (CoI4:5). Ask God to turn your circumstances into opportunities to
honor Him.

“But there’s no time to be a witness,” you may say. “Whatever happens,   conduct yourself in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ” (Phil 1:27). You may never have this exact opportunity to be salt and light to observing onlookers. Jesus said, “Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven” (Matt 6:16).  

Opportunities: like the following power-packed moments:

• You’re stopped at the intersection waiting for the light to turn green? Pray for the driver across from you – the one in the red Chevy – to be conscious of God in his life as he goes about his wa
• Passing a school playground? Pray for those precious children – that their

generation will learn of Jesus. Pray for their home life, and for their

teachers.

• In a restaurant where your steak isn’t done to perfection? Be gracious to your server. He or she did not cook your steak, and you are not the only diner they are trying to serve. Love them as Jesus does.
• At the department store and you are the seventh person in the checkout line? Be pleasant to those around y Instead of complaining about the wait, be an encourager. “Isn’t God good to provide for us so we can purchase these items?”
• Your checker or clerk has no personality? Remember that he or she has been standing on a hard floor all day long, dealing with a number of rude and impatient customer Tell them you appreciate what they do and how God has gifted them.
• Someone took your parking place? Well, they needed to park somewhere as much as you did. You don’t know their circumstance Smile and ask the Lord for patience and charity toward them.
• See all those patients in the doctor’s waiting room, each occupied with their own health concerns. Pray for them. They may not know the power of prayer or the God who heal Engage them in encouraging conversation. They may even permit you to pray with them.
• And as long as you are seeing your doctor, show interest in his or her well being. All day long doctors and nurses immerse themselves in the needs of others. Turn the tables and show true concern for them, for Jesus’
• Oh, is that a siren you hear? Sirens indicate urgent needs of many kinds. We often do not know if the siren is coming from an ambulance or a police car, but we do know that there is an immediate need. Pray for those in need as well as those who are responding to their needs, that each will seek the Lord Almighty for help – and that they will come to know that God is what they need above all el

And always remember, as someone has said, “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”

 

         Reprinted from The Knowlesletter, a publication of Poem ministries. www.poeministries.org