Take a Chance… Advance! - He Said
"Don't waste your time on useless work, mere busywork, the barren pursuits of darkness. Expose these things for the sham they are. It's a scandal when people waste their lives on things they must do in the darkness where no one will see. Rip the cover off those frauds and see how attractive they look in the light of Christ. Wake up from your sleep, Climb out of your coffins; Christ will show you the light! So watch your step. Use your head. Make the most of every chance you get. These are desperate times!" - Ephesians 5:11-16 (The Message)
Listen to Take a Chance… Advance!When did "work" become a four-letter word? When did God's first command become a burden? Perhaps it began when we exchanged God's gift of enjoyment through employment for the fleeting security of career entitlement. As the resource officer waits for us to clear out our desk, we cry, "You can't do this to me! I've been here since…" Work was meant for more than provision, position and posturing. When we labor "heartily as unto the Lord," it becomes an act of worship.
I'm writing from the mountains today. We're preparing for our second Writer's Advance Event. I've attended other writer's retreats, but the idea of giving ground and falling back doesn't fit our calling. So, over the next few days, we'll discuss, prepare and advance toward the next big thing God has planned. There's snow on the ground, ice on the parking lot and fire in our bones.
How about you? Are you burned-out instead of on fire for a cause, craft or ministry? Do you fear you've missed your chance to "make" a difference? Don't worry. Our God is the Lord of second and third chances. His eyes roam the earth seeking those who will open the door when He knocks. Will you respond to his banging?
Here are four tips for how you can "make the most of every chance you get."
Find a problem and fix it. Opportunities are often disguised as problems. These challenges force us to explore other options, examine the resources we have, and push on. When faced with a dead end, listen for God to say, "This way." A closed door is only a dead end when you don't follow the detour signs.
Move with urgency. Open doors do not remain open forever. New opportunities are time-sensitive. Ground floors become foundations for tall buildings, so seize the moment. Don't wait, ponder, pray and procrastinate. By the time you act, it may be too late. If the chance to do something different, untried and frightening excites you, then step through the open door.
Expect resistance. Often we mistake hardships for God's disapproval when, in fact, the rocks, weeds and ruts are just confirmation that we're plowing new territory. The Apostle Paul wrote to the Church in Corinth, "A great and effective door has opened to me and there are many adversaries." The fastest point of sail is when the wind is against and slightly ahead of the boat, not blowing from behind. The gusts buffeting your cheeks could be God's breath cooling you down and keeping you refreshed.
Face down your fears. Don't let your fear of the unknown stop you from doing the thing that excites you. Wake up. Climb out. Watch your step. Use your head. Make the most of every chance you get. Christ will show you the light.
These are desperate times. The world needs pioneers who are willing to put aside the slothful acts of darkness and step boldly into the future. Today, if you feel God calling you to a new challenge, don't hesitate. Advance!
Eddie Jones and Cindy Sproles are friends and co-founders of ChristianDevotions.us. They co-write the popular He Said, She Said devotions and host BlogtalkRadio's Christian Devotions Speak UP! along with Scott McCausey.
