I had to go to the dentist today! I say that with an exclamation point because I hate going to the dentist. I don’t hate my dentist – he’s actually a great friend; but I hate going to have work done – especially if it involves the drill. A few days ago, while I was eating, a large piece of one of my jaw teeth broke off. Obviously I had to get the repair work done. My dentist said that the fillings that I got when I was a teenager have about reached their life expectancy and the filled teeth have weakened over the years. I thanked him for that word of encouragement. The natural advice to follow was to be careful about what I eat – don’t bite down on hard candy or large pieces of ice; be careful and wise, unless I want to have more broken teeth.
This reminds me of a verse in the New Testament that gives us some “be careful” advice for living. Ephesians 5:15-16 says, “Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” Be thoughtful and prayerful about how you live, being led by the Spirit, making wise decisions. The next part of the verse calls us to “make the most of every opportunity.” The Lord spoke to me about this very thing recently – making the most of every opportunity. He reminded me that if I’m asking Him to lead me through my days and weeks then I need to pay attention to the opportunities that are put before me. I have tried to put this into practice and I’ve been amazed at the blessings that have followed.
Recently the worship team I work with was asked to lead worship at an event at another church. This event was on a Sunday – which is already quite a full day. After talking with our team, we decided that God had given this opportunity and we wanted to make the most of it. I’m so glad we did; it was such a blessing to us and one we could have missed because of busy schedules.
Let me encourage you to make the most of the opportunities God brings to you. If God’s given you a musical talent, be careful to use it for Him. Look for creative ways to get involved. When you’re given the opportunity to sing, sing for the Lord. Maybe the children’s ministry needs someone to sing with the children; or maybe you can visit with someone who is homebound and sing worship songs with them. Be careful not to overlook or neglect these opportunities that God sends your way.
There’s a great song titled Every Move I Make – Wow Worship that speaks of this truth. The accompaniment track has a variety of keys that fit a low to a high range.
If we walk in the Spirit, making the most of every opportunity that God brings our way, then we can sing “every move I make I make in you. You make me move Jesus.” Just as my dental advice was to “be careful”, let’s be very careful how we live, not as unwise but as wise – making the most of every opportunity.
Make the most of your journey!
Molly
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Thank you so much for that great word! It’s so funny, I JUST got back from the dentist with the same exact problem. I work for Teen Challenge, and just as with any ministry, I am definitely not in it for the pay! I was just praising the Lord, that I was able to get the work I needed done, and God miraculously supplied the resources to do it, when I had kind of a prick in my spirit. I’ve been singing for the Lord all my life, but have kind of let other responsibilities keep me from that, lately. Just as I was praising God in the car on my way home, I noticed that one of my accompaniment tracks was playing in the background. It made me think about how long it has been since I sang. I just spoke with our choir director here at the center about getting involved with the choir. Thanks for letting God speak through you to confirm that it was Him I was hearing from!
God’s timing is perfect! Thanks for sharing this with me. It encourages me to know that God can use what He’s teaching me to encourage someone else. I know God is going to use you as you make yourself and your gifts available for His use.
Make the most of your journey!
Molly