We rush through our days seeking big opportunities to teach the Gospel and miss many small opportunities along the way.  Daily, I come across opportunities to teach, even while I am working.  Many occasions arise during the day that are teachable if we seize the moment and have the heart to listen as we work.

We teach by the words we say and the deeds that we do.  We don’t know what goes on in the hearts of others.  They may have a secular job, but it doesn’t mean their problems, hurts, disappointments don’t travel with them too.  I have had co-workers break down and cry over various problems in their lives.  At times a hug and telling them you understand is all that is needed.  At times a word of encouragement, drying the tear of a child, helping others with their work, a smile, encourages them.  Our Master Teacher taught us the same.  He always had time for people and used those opportunities to teach.  Sometimes in our rush to make the “big pitch” the smaller opportunities pass us by.

“And after the reading of the law and the prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent unto them, saying.  Ye men and brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, say on.  Then Paul stood up, and beckoning with his hand said, Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, give audience.”    Acts 13:15-16

A story is told of William Jennings Bryan, one of the greatest orators that ever graced a platform.  It was in this speech Bryan was nominated presidential nominee for the Democratic Party in 1896.

“You shall not not press down upon the brow of labor this crown of thorns.  You shall not crucify mankind upon a cross of gold.”

A friend said, “Mr. Bryan, I suppose many times before you had made just as able a speech as that, and it was never heard of.”

“Yes, “he replied, “I suppose so.  But that convention was my opportunity, and I made the most of it.”  Then after a moment of silence he said, “And that’s about all we do in this world – lose or use our opportunity.”

Grabbed opportunity is the key that opens the door of success.  Seized occasion is the ladder by which men and women climb to usefulness and achievement.  The answered call is the victory over slumber.  He who seizes the right moment becomes the man of the hour.

So – “strike while the iron is hot.”  This is what the apostle Paul did when he went into the synagogue.”

“As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.”      Galatians 6:10

“Don’t say, “There’s still time.”   Or “Maybe next time.”  Because there’s also the concept of “It’s too late.”

Eileen Light