God gives us opportunities to serve him and others every day. The question is: Will we take hold of such opportunities or will we let them pass us by? Some opportunities may present themselves in the normal course of our everyday lives. Others may occur unexpectedly: For example, our car breaks down and we can talk about the Lord to the mechanic who comes and helps us.

Opportunities are times that God can use to help us grow. We should not run away from fresh challenges but are to allow God to stretch us and become more mature. Sometimes we may need to create opportunities, not by manipulating people or circumstances but by taking the initiative. One small project I started eventually, years later, became a study Bible that has been published in several languages.

A word to the cautious: God may ask you to step outside your comfort zone. By personality I too am cautious, but remember that you are unique. An old song says, “There’s a work for Jesus only you can do.” You are a unique person with unique knowledge and skills. You know certain people that others don’t know. So don’t get preoccupied with thinking of the limited opportunities you have. Get on and do what you can and grasp the opportunities that clearly present themselves to you.

The eight readings come from “Word Come Alive,” a new translation (paraphrase) of the New Testament by Bible editor Martin Manser. They touch on these approaches and more: go for it, with the Lord’s help!

Learn more about “Word Come Alive” by visiting Martin’s website at https://www.wordcomealive.net/.

*Text in italics shows the explanations that Martin added to the original text.