Making the Most of Every Opportunity

Little Book of Miracles Series

It’s easy to lose the awe that comes when we experience direct answers to specific prayers. We think we’ll remember, but the mundane and the busy redirect our brains, and those amazing moments can be lost. Some years ago, I began recording each of those treasured times, those times when I just knew it was God’s yes in a very specific way. I call it my Little Book of Miracles—and I’m now on book four. In the month of March, I’m excited to share a few of these precious stories with you. Some are profound. Some are almost silly. Today’s story is bittersweet and hard to comprehend. Yet each story reminds me of the ways God has shown His love and concern for others as well as for me … miraculously. I hope you enjoy celebrating these moments with me, and I urge you to start your own Little Book of Miracles.

And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. —Colossians 4:3-5

It was the summer of 1972, and my family was spending a week in a little cabin by a lake in northern New Hampshire. I was fourteen years old and my sister Bethany was twelve. We had been coming to this particular spot for several years, and Bethany was a fast friend with the owner’s daughter (I’ll call her Belinda). Shortly after our arrival, Bethany felt convicted that this was the summer Belinda must ask Jesus into her heart.

Bethany was passionate about it … but she wanted me to do the talking! She had a sense that I was the one to share. I had no idea how to start a conversation with Belinda, especially since she was really my sister’s friend. So, Bethany and I prayed together and asked God to give me an opportunity to talk with Belinda about Christ.

One morning, halfway through our week, I got up early and sat on the dock with my Bible. Belinda saw me there, joined me, and asked what I was doing. I shared with her my love for Jesus, and she accepted Him as her Lord and Savior. Right there on that dock! Quietly and simply, Belinda became a child of God. He had prepared my heart to speak His truth and Belinda’s heart to receive it—and my sister’s heart to pray. Bethany was ecstatic. We all were! After we returned home Bethany and Belinda stayed in touch all year writing letters.

Summer of 1973 arrived, and, before we were to return to our little cabin, a phone call came from Belinda’s parents. Our friend had dived into the ice-cold lake on a very hot day. And died. Evidently, she had a weak heart that no one knew about and the shock was too much. Oh, how we grieved! And … oh, how we marveled!

God loved Belinda so much that He gave Bethany a burning passion to tell her about salvation in Jesus Christ. He allowed me to be the vehicle to tell her of His love. Through His prompting, He made sure Belinda would be with Him forever. My sister and I have never forgotten Belinda or the awe we felt as we realized the way God had used us to ensure this child of twelve would spend eternity with Him. That’s how much He loves His children.

I believe that God used prayer as the key to open the door of opportunity. He burdened Bethany to pray, and He prepared Belinda to receive eternal life. Paul speaks of this truth in our verse for today, “And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity” (Colossians 4:3-5, emphasis mine).

Father, thank You for Your deep love for those who do not know You. Help me to make the most of every opportunity You give me, clearly proclaiming the gospel. Use me, Lord, to bring others to You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

From Sharon’s book, Sweet Selah Moments: Encouragement for Everyday Living 

You are loved,
Sharon

Sweet Selah Ministries

Vision
To encourage a movement away from the belief that “busy is better”
and toward the truth that stillness and knowing God matter most—
and will be reflected in more effective work and service

Mission 
To offer resources and retreats that help women pause (Selah)
and love God more deeply as they know Him more intimately (Sweet)

Donate
If you’ve been blessed, keep the blessing going!
Click over to our Donation page … and thanks.

Pin it.