Opportunity or Inconvenience?

God calls us to be a light to the seeing world, to represent Him everywhere we go. This often takes place during our normal work hours, a planned trip to the grocery store, or during a prayer meeting at church…in those regularly scheduled functions of our daily lives where we are readily seeking opportunities to share. Yet, how is our reaction when God brings about an opportunity to share with someone about His saving grace but it is at an inconvenient time?

For me, this happened twice in one day. And, boy, was I convicted about my reaction at the end of the day!

You see, I teach online classes during the summer; and more often than not you can find me at home, still in my pajamas at 2 in the afternoon. I sit on my cozy leather couch as I grade papers and answer emails.

On this particular day, someone knocked on my door around 9am. By this time, I have barely rubbed the sleep out of my eyes, had sipped my homemade latte, or fixed my “beautiful” morning out-of-bed pony tail. A little frustrated, I stood up, put my computer aside, and went to the door. “Who is it?” I asked…three times! No answer. I peeked out the side window and saw a young girl who looked like she was upset. I opened the door to find a woman standing in front of her…wanting to “evangelize” me. First I was frustrated because I was interrupted (and barely awake). Secondly because there was no reply when I asked who was at the door. Thirdly, I was upset to solicited by another religious group who ignored my nicely painted and prominent “No Soliciting” sign. Needless to say, I was not the sweetest person when a track was being forced into my hand. Cutting off the woman, I think I ended up harshly saying something like, “Please, just don’t bother me with your religious stuff! I have my faith. I love Jesus. Now, take me off your list or whatever. Have a nice day.” I shut the door, pick up my computer and continued to work. 

Failed opportunity #1!

Later in the day, maybe around 3:30pm, a young man from the Honeywell Home Security company comes walking up to my door. By this time, I had showered, gotten dress, and had a meal in my belly. I was not as frustrated as I was earlier in the day. In the middle of preparing dinner, I put down my kitchen utensil and opened the front door. He was a pleasant man, trying to diligently earn his pay by selling home security systems. After asking if I was interested, I kindly said no and pointed out that there was a “No Soliciting” sign posted on the front steps. Taking a step back, he located the sign. I could tell almost immediately that he felt bad for knocking on the door. After a quick exchange, he asked if I knew anyone else in the neighborhood who might be interested. I said no and gently closed the door, walking back into the kitchen. 

Failed opportunity #2!

In both of these stories (that just so happened on the same day!), I saw an inconvenience, not an opportunity. Towards the end of my day, I was wrestling with my reactions. In the first story, I had the amazing opportunity to share about how God moves in my life and answers my prayers daily. In the second story, I had the opportunity to share that God alone is my security, not necessarily a home alarm system (although there is nothing bad to have one or not to have one).

I was simply so caught up in MY life and MY order of business and MY priorities, that I quickly saw these God given opportunities as mere inconveniences and annoyances. I hope in the future I will react differently. I pray that my heart will be more in tune with God then with my schedule of events/planned activities.

Where in your life have you chosen to see God’s opportunities as inconveniences? In these moments, I have to realize that this world is not my home. My citizenship is in Heaven! I hope my heart and attitude in EVERY situation reflect this as well as God’s grace and love.