“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; making the most of every opportunity.” Colossians 4:5

Recently I was doing a Bible study over Colossians, and this verse that I’ve read many times jumped off the page and landed in my heart, specifically the last part “making the most of every opportunity”.

Really, it breaks my heart. How many opportunities have I missed, messed up, or even worse slammed doors that He opened? I need to be more aware of opportunities.

Every encounter is a chance to leave someone better than I found them. Each one is a chance to lift up and encourage someone who needs it more than I will ever know.

When I tell you this is completely against my nature believe it 100%. I’m pretty gifted at the eye roll and sarcasm, but encouraging is not my forte. Or should I say wasn’t??

Through Jesus I am a new creation. The old has passed away ( 2 Corinthians 5:17 ) and I need to put off the old self and embrace the new self. ( Eph. 4:22-24 ) As His child I can pray to be the light He wants me to be ( Matt 5:14).

I may never be the encourager that some of my friends are, but I can be better than I am. I can pray for the wisdom to see each encounter as a way to show Jesus to people ( James 1:5 ) I can pray to be able to control my emotions ( 2 Tim 1:7 ) and put myself second in tense situations ( Phil 2-3 ).

I can pray to be transformed from glory to glory ( 2 Cor. 3:18 ). By praying these things according to His word I am aligning myself with His will. By acknowledging Him I know He will show me the right path to take ( Proverbs 3:6 ). I’m so thankful that He loves me enough not to leave me as I am.

Lord, today I pray for boldness in each opportunity. Help me to get self out of the way and let Your light shine through.

In Jesus name, Amen.