This remarkable phrase came from the Lord to help a couple to be the best parents they could be.
It all came from a leading from the Lord on how to proceed with a wonderful opportunity that had been presented to one of their children. But as I received the word above and passed it on to these Godly parents, I knew in my heart it needed to be shared with the wider body of Christ and community. So please journey with me as I try, with the Holy Spirit to unpack the importance and revelation of this key message.
We all, through the course of our lives receive many opportunities ! We only have to look around us to find them. Some, so small they are hard to recognise while others are incredible and so big we stand in awe and think, ‘is this possible, could I actually do this’ ? (One of those pinch me moments in life) ! Both of these types of opportunities (large & small) come with choices and also responsibilities. These need to be assessed before proceeding. Although this sounds like a lengthily process I have found that when we partner with the Lord these decisions can be made quickly.
I was privileged to hear through the testimony of the parents and child, the beautiful unity within their family through their obedience and positive response to the ‘word of God’ in making an important decision.
I also fondly recall how as a youth pastor I was often entrusted with amazing ideas, opportunities and initiative’s. These were shared with us by young people and caregivers; people the Lord had brought across our path. I have always loved seeing people of all ages, fully activated in their gifts and tapped into their role in their God given calling. I loved hearing these people speaking about what they felt the Lord was saying to do. My main response to this was ; if it is God’s calling it will be a challenge and will probably look impossible but if you partner with God it will ultimately be possible (will happen). So as I open the door to you for support and help with provision, I have one question for you to answer : ‘Is it sustainable beyond you’ ?
God opportunities when planted are never meant to die, only change course ! (CP)
The reason why we see so many die is that people sadly don’t understand the last part of the original phrase from the Lord ; ‘responsibility’ !
If you receive the seed (opportunity) you need to plant it (choice) and keep it watered (responsibility). A major part of this responsibility is to be training and equipping those who will continue after you have moved on. I’m not necessarily talking about you dying but moving on to other Godly missions. Remember what Paul wrote :
1 Cor 3:6 (NIV)
‘I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow’.
Pual was writing in this letter to the Corinth Church to say ; I started it, Apollo’s watered it, now it’s your responsibility to take care of it and you can because it was not us, but God that made it grow (it’s now time to step up and be responsible to carry it on) !
So here is your challenge today
- What are those God given opportunities you have been given in your life ? Maybe ask the Lord to reveal them to you again.
- Ask God, are they really for you to do ; Yes or No ?
- If you believe there may have been other opportunities in the past that you put aside through fear, pride, lack of knowledge or in some way miss-managed the opportunity(‘s) He presented to you ; then read and act on 4. below :
- Regardless, if above 3. applies, ask the Lord to forgive you and give you another chance (don’t worry He normally will as we are still in a season of grace) !
- For the ones He says Yes to, ask what choice you need to make today to start the journey ?
- Now it is your choice ! Are you In or Out ? Maybe say this prayer : ‘I choose to/ or not to, this day to step into this opportunity You have shown me.
- If you told God you are in, you now have a responsibility to do all He asks you, to see it happen and to equip others for the future (remember it’s not all about you, it’s about Him)
- Thank the Lord for all He has shown you, invited and commissioned you to achieve with Him in partnership. Amen
Let’s pray
Father I thank You for the ‘opportunity message’ and the incredible revelation and invitation You have released through it’s understanding. And through this understanding helping us on this journey of recognising opportunities and making the right choices while understanding our responsibilities. Amen
Craig and Winnie Patten
Itinerate Pastors/ Apostolic Leaders
Encounter Ministries
