Opportunities and Choices

There are many opportunities that come to us in life (some of which are life transforming) which lead us down different roads, according to the decision we make at the time. Of course, most people know when they are choosing between what is good and what is bad, but we sometimes have to weigh between what is good and what is best, so that we are not robbed of God’s best.

If we are in the habit of asking the Lord to help us before we decide, we will always choose wisely. The most pivotal opportunity that comes to any of us is the moment when we are faced with choosing Jesus to be our Lord and Saviour, because at that moment we are choosing between life, if we choose Him and death if we don’t.

When Esau chose to despise his birthright, and Jacob chose to take it from him, the course of history was changed for a nation. For when Esau despised his birthright he ultimately despised God, and this cost him dearly, for the birthright was linked to the blessing, which also finally slipped from his grasp. For a plate of lentils, momentarily fulfilling his fleshly desire - Esau exchanged and forfeited God’s favour and was not able to reverse the situation even though he sought it “with a loud and bitter cry.” Jacob, on the other hand, realised the value of the birthright, and not only grabbed the opportunity to obtain it but, in doing so, subsequently gained the blessing that went with it (although he used deceit to get it). As a consequence in Malachi 1: 2-3 we read that the Lord says “I have loved Jacob, but Esau I have hated.” From that time onwards the Lord’s favour rested on Jacob for the rest of his life and on his descendants.

We therefore need to give serious thought to the opportunities that come our way in life – some can lead to great gain – others to great losses. Some – as in Esau’s case, are irreversible. We need to choose wisely, identifying God’s outstretched hand to bless us, while being careful not to take for granted what God has given us. God has entrusted us with the holy riches of Heaven, which we need to guard and treat with the utmost respect. Don’t let God-given opportunities pass you by!

Prayer: Dear Lord, please would You help us to make the right choices in life that are pleasing to You, and help us to have the wisdom to make the most of the opportunities that You give us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.