If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door. —Milton Berle
An unexpected bonus of raising teens is getting to know their friends. One particular friend seemed to be having a hard time. The slump in this kid’s shoulders told us something was up. As we prayed for this teen, I felt compelled to sit down and share with him the story of my own teenage years. No problem, God. I can do that.
So I waited for the perfect opportunity to talk, but none came. A week passed and I hadn’t said anything. The Spirit was really pressing in, and I was really trying to listen.
Finally, God gave me a brilliant idea. I put a plate of cookies on the table. Cookies are teen magnets. Sure enough, this kid was sitting across the table from me within five minutes. I shared some thoughts and when I finished, this quiet kid opened up and shared that he felt invisible.
I believe the Holy Spirit wanted this kid to know that the Lord is El Roi—the God Who Sees him.
Following the Spirit can be as simple as a plate of cookies and a dining room table. It can be as simple as a story. There are opportunities all around us to walk in the Spirit and serve in love.
How can you know what good works the Spirit would have you do?
Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. (Galatians 6:10)
As opportunities present themselves, serve all people. Is it going to cost something? Yes, you might have to get creative and whip up some cookies. You might have to knock on a neighbor’s door and ask if they need help. You might need to chat it up in the checkout line and get to know someone. But the effort is worth it, isn’t it? To know that—in your everyday routine—you are walking with the Spirit and serving in love.
When presented with an opportunity to serve, let the Spirit love through you. That’s pretty simple.
God Who Sees, through Your Spirit, I can love with Your love. Open my eyes to the opportunities around me to engage with others. Amen.