April 4th

These are actual opportunities which I have passed by during my lifetime, two of them on the streets of London when we were in ministry there. While we ‘bought up’ many opportunities while we were there, I have had to ask God’s forgiveness for my self-centeredness in choosing to ignore these. The problem with opportunities is that they are lost forever if ignored.

OPPORTUNITY LOST
There was a woman, frail and old,
Buffeted by wind and cold.
I watched her struggle in the street
Just to stay upon her feet.
I thought to go and help her plight,
And had I not been late that night,
I would have.

There was a young girl lying there
Upon the pavement cold and bare.
Some men were kneeling at her side
To soothe her as she wept and cried.
I know not why I did not stay
Instead of walking on my way.
I could have.

There was a child who stood alone
Without a father of his own,
No one to share the growing years
Nor comfort all his youthful fears.
I’d thought to help him catch a fish
And listen to his fondest wish.
I should have.

If I let Jesus shine through me
In every circumstance I see;
If I depart from mine own way
And follow Him through everyday,
I’d not ignore the one in need,
And never would my conscience bleed
With “would have, could have, should have.”

Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to be ready for each opportunity to let Jesus shine through me.