Daily devotional, May 11, 2024 Opportunities
"The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."
2 Peter 2:9
We were watching the movie Evan Almighty the other day, and I heard a character there saying that when we pray for something, God does not usually give us what we have exactly prayed for. Instead, He gives us the opportunity to have what we are praying for.
And as I reflect on what I have read in the bible, as well as what I have experienced in my life, I figured that there is a truth to what that character said. In reality, whether what we ask for is tangible or intangible, God usually gives it to us by giving us the chance to achieve it. It is up to us if we will seriously pursue it.
He will however allow us to tap into His strength by giving us the ability to endure the challenges, and get past the hurdles that block our way.
"But we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us."
Romans 5:3-5
One perfect example is God’s provision of Manna in the Dessert. While the Israelites were journeying, they cried out for food. The Lord provided Manna for them.
Take note, the Lord did not let bread rain down from the heavens, instead, He gave the essential ingredient to make it. The Israelites need to gather it every morning so that they will have something to eat. Yes, they had to wake up early, gather it, grind it, and prepare the Manna into bread so that they could have sustenance.
"This is what the Lord has commanded: ‘Gather of it, each one of you, as much as he can eat. You shall each take an omer, according to the number of the persons that each of you has in his tent.’” Exodus 16:16
It is the same way for us. God gives us the opportunity to study hard, apply in a good company, and perform well. We have to give Him all we have got and then He will provide the rest to fill our cups.
Look at what He did in the story about the feeding of the Multitude. Yes, Jesus multiplied loaves and fish to feed five thousand men and their families, but a boy had to offer to Him everything that He has, and from there the Messiah miraculously filled baskets upon baskets of food for everyone.
"They said to him, “We have only five loaves here and two fish.” And he said, “Bring them here to me.” Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass, and taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing. Then he broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds."
Matthew 14:17-19
In essence, the Lord empowers us to work for what we are praying for. To give Him everything we have and faithfully seek Him. As sovereign God, He may choose supernatural means to help us, but He usually chooses to partner with us so that we will know the essence of work, and learn life lessons along the way. Let us read this verse from the Gospel of Matthew:
"Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." Matthew 11:29-30
The “yoke” mentioned in the above passage is a work tool that joins two bovines so that they could plough the field together, or carry a load alongside each other. By taking the Lord’s offer to wear his yoke, we get to tap into the Lord’s power. We let Him lead the way so that our will could align with His and we will be content with His response to our prayers.
"I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength."
Philippians 4:12-13
As for prayers for the intangible like better character, having more patience, or being more loving and caring — the principle remains the same. He will give you opportunities to be a better person by developing your character.
For the weary mother who has been praying for more patience, it may seem like her prayers are not being heard because the kids are getting more rowdy, and her patience is wearing thin every single minute that passes.
But if we would see it from God’s vantage point, He is giving us the opportunity to train ourselves to grow in Christlikeness and develop the character that we have been praying for.
Just like any skill, good character takes practice to develop, and we could only practice when we are given the opportunity to react to situations that will require such virtue.
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."
Ephesians 2:10
Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to ponder on Philippians 4:4-13 to dig deeper on today’s topic.
Reflection Question: Has God given you the opportunity to receive what you have been asking from Him?
Conversation with the Lord: Lord Jesus Christ, open my eyes to the opportunities that you give me to become a better person. Help me have the confidence to tap into your strength to bear my daily struggles, meet my needs, and develop Christ-like character. Thank you for your love, Amen.
