Are you aware of God-given
opportunities? At the time, I wasn't!
My cousin turned 80 on Friday, April 24th. Two days before, my
phone rang, and thankfully, I recognized her Rochester area code -- not
a telemarketer -- so I answered "Hello" numerous times. At last, I heard
a very weak voice, "Yesss?" I asked, "Oh my goodness, Bonnie, what's
going on?" Again, a fragile voice quivered out a response: "I'm in the
hospital." I discovered that she had gone in for heart surgery but ended
up on dialysis! Momentarily, I was speechless. My heart went out to her.
I told her that I wished that I could give her a big hug, but since that
wasn't possible, suddenly, I became aware of the opportunity that God
was providing. Right there on the phone, I prayed aloud for her, asking
God to give her the warmth and comfort of His presence right there in
her hospital room. She thanked me feebly, saying, "I needed that!"
I sensed strongly that it was the right time to share my
experience with her from my heart. I said that I couldn't understand why
some people talk about death as a fearful thing, because I am personally
ready whenever God wants to call me home. She agreed. I told her that I
believe that because my husband Bob accepted the Lord's sacrifice for
him, he has already seen the Father's face, touched our Saviour's hand,
and is praising Him in His nearer presence. After all, I said, Jesus
promised the thief on the cross, "Today you will be with me in
paradise." (Luke 23:43 NIV) She sounded somewhat stronger at the end and
uttered agreement to what I had said. Even though she knew,
Bonnie seemed to need reassurance.
Two days later, she died!
Thanks to the resurrection of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ,
"Death has been swallowed up in victory!" (1 Corinthians 15:54b
NIV)
I believe that God was at work urging Bonnie to call and filling
me with the courage to share a topic that so many shy away from.
Thankfully, I responded to His nudging, on the spot. Oh, that we would
each become more and more sensitive to the opportunities that He
provides us. Little did I know that there wouldn't be another
opportunity later. What a comfort to me now as I know that it had been
the right timing. In chatting with her sons, they were so thankful to
learn about our conversation.
"Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to
give the reason for the hope that you have." (1 Peter 3:15b NIV)
Something to ponder: Are you ready and sensitive to when someone
is asking you the reason for your hope, even if they don't actually
verbalize it? It's something really worth sharing!
Prayer: Our dear Father God, thank You so much for the sacrifice
of Jesus on that horrible cross for sinners such as each one of us.
Because of His glorious resurrection, we can face tomorrow, even in the
midst of whatever "storm" we're facing. Remind us to be alert and aware
of opportunities that You provide. Give us courage to speak up and share
the good news and the hope that we have. In Jesus' precious name, we
pray. Amen!
Mary Lou Tompkins
Lindsay, Ontario, Canada
Reprinted from the
PresbyCan Daily Devotional with the author's permission
The Illustrator: This daily newsletter is dedicated to encouraging
everyone to look towards Jesus as the source of all the solutions to our
problems. It contains a daily inspirational story, a Bible verse and encouraging
messages. HTML and plain text versions available.
The Nugget: Published three times a week, this newsletter features inspirational devotionals and mini-sermons dedicated to drawing mankind closer to each other and to Christ.