God's Opportunities for Us

I want to write about a personal experience and opportunity I recently had. I believe that every opportunity we get can add value to our lives and the lives of others.

^{Ephesians 5}Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise,making the most of every opportunity…

When you strive to live a faithful Christian life your values become evident in whatever you do. I think God often gives us opportunities where we can learn and through these opportunities we find new ways to impact the lives of others in what He shows us.

In February of this year I had the opportunity to go with my brother on a bike trip. This trip was totally different than any I had ever taken before. My brother being retired and an avid bicyclist we decided to travel together across the southern coast of Spain and Portugal. We chose that location since he lives in Europe, 6,000 miles from my home in Oregon. The southern coast is warm and nice early in the year. The Algarve Coast of Portugal also has one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world and the sea air is fresh and healthy. At first I wondered if I could afford the cost and time away from responsibilities at home but opportunities like this don’t come often.

Like footprints in the sand, opportunities can disappear in a moment.

I decided it’s important that we spend time together doing what my brother really enjoys, bike tripping. Besides it’s something I wanted to experience for myself.

Learning the in’s and out’s about bike tripping from an expert (my brother has biked 60,000km) was a real opportunity. Taking a trip on a bicycle, camping in the wild and getting several hours of exercise a day which is important if we want to stay healthy, was sure to be an adventure.

When an opportunity presents itself to us we always have choices to make. Do we accept it or reject it? There are several things to consider but we might ask ourselves;

is this a door God may have opened?
What might I learn from the experience?
Is this something where God can teach me?
If I don’t accept it, will I regret not trying?
Will I ever have this opportunity again?

In my case, I seldom see my brother. When I do we usually can’t spend much time together, not just the two of us. We’re both growing older and only God knows what tomorrow will bring.

I knew this would be a challenge but the door was open. It was not difficult for me to make my choice and step through it.

The truth is I had been wanting to ride with my brother for several years. This was the kind of adventure I love to take. Everyday it was clear that God was with us. He kept us safe on the road and made our time together something to remember.

My brother who is also a Christian has had some experiences on other trips that were clearly God’s doing in protection. He told me of a long dangerous 4 lane bridge in Kentucky where drivers are not at all friendly toward cyclists. Immediately after saying a quick prayer upon entering the bridge a van pulled right up behind him, turned on his flashers and followed him all the way across keeping him safe. It had to be his angel.

Another time he was very dry and completely out of water on a lonely road. In the 100 degree heat with nothing ahead for miles he knew he couldn’t go much further. Then out of nowhere a pickup truck pulls up beside him and asked if he wanted some water.

^{Matthew 6:30}And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?

Together in the tent during the long winter nights we discussed how God had directed our lives in many situations.

We shared many experiences where God had touched us, or used us, to touch others.

Was the trip worth it?

Absolutely, nothing can compare to the experiences we had together.

I challenge you as opportunities present themselves, to consider if they may be an open door God is placing before you.

Perhaps you have a brother or sister – a mother or father – that you should take time to visit.

It might be that the opportunity is a job or a place of service in you your church.

Possibly you may be approached about a mission trip you could participate in. Whatever opportunity is presented – before you reject the idea, ask God.

What can I do for God Today?

If God is leading you in any direction He will always provide the time and resources needed to go where he wants you to be.

^{Philippians 4:19}And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

For more pictures about my trip visit my brothers website. You can learn of his experience bike tripping at “Ride into the Future” It’s worth the visit, be sure to take a look.