0611. 597. Opportunity

597. Opportunity

As Made Clear in Acts 14

A fourfold opportunity came to Paul when he was persecuted at Lystra—Acts 14.

1. Opportunity to Speak—Act_14:3. They spoke “boldly” (confidently) “in the Lord.” The apostles knew what they knew, and therefore could speak from the certainty of personal experience. When we can say, “He loved me” (Gal_2:20), then we have the power to help others.

2. Opportunity to Do Good to Others—Act_14:8-10. When Paul saw the impotent man he perceived he had faith to be healed, and healed him. When others feel their need of aid it is easy to aid them. We should make it our motto to do all the good we can, to all the people we can, and at all the times we can. A lad the writer knew had hung up in his room a card, upon which were these words:

“I am only one, but I am one;

I cannot do everything, but I can do something,

And by the grace of God I will do what I can.”

3. Opportunity to Correct Misapprehension—Act_14:14-17. The apostles would not receive honour which was due to God, but they seized the occasion to remind their auditors that they owed to their Creator the “good” they received, and the seasons of His favour which they enjoyed. In the magnificent library in Washington, U.S.A., there is inscribed within the words: “He that builds beneath the skies builds too low.” The greatest mistake we can make is to live for self, and for the present world alone.

4. Opportunity to Prove the Sufficiency of God’s Grace. Paul’s being stoned was far from being a pleasant experience, but it was the occasion to prove what God could do for him. He was left for dead—Act_14:19, and he was not sure whether he was in the body or not—2Co_12:3-4, but he was caught up to Paradise and heard “unspeakable words.” If he had not been thrown out of the city he would not have been caught up to Paradise. There is good in every ill, a sweet in every bitter, a lifting up in every casting down, and a proving of God’s grace in every trial. Remember what Samson said about the lion and the honey—Jdg_14:14.

By: DR. F. E. MARSH