Do you know the difference between God’s opportunity and the world’s opportunity?
In Matthew chapter four, Jesus was led into the wilderness by the Spirit of God. There he was tempted by the devil to turn the stones into bread because Jesus had been fasting for 40 days. You know He was hungry! How did Jesus respond? “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
In the next temptation, Satan tries to use the Word on Jesus. Satan says, “Throw yourself off of this cliff. Scripture says that God will send angels to catch you up lest you dash your foot against the stone.” Jesus again responds, “You shall not tempt the Lord thy God.”
In the final temptation we read about in Matthew 4:8, 9, it says, “Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.”’ What an opportunity!
How many people have allowed the world to deceive them to follow after that which the world offers in order to gain notoriety and fame and prestige? How many of those people are left with emptiness because it doesn’t produce that which is everlasting?
We need discernment. The world can dress up the “opportunity” to be so enticing! But, does that opportunity bring glory to God or glory to self? That is one question to ponder.
Glory to God
Jesus wanted to only bring glory to His Father! Jesus said to Satan at that last temptation, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’”
Ephesians 5:15 & 16 says, “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.”
What opportunities is God going to present to you this year? And, more importantly, what are you going to do with those opportunities? Let’s not be like the children of Israel. They hardened their hearts. (Hebrews 3) Do you know what happened? They missed out on their opportunity to enter the Promised Land. It took 40 years of waiting until they got another opportunity to enter the Land. And, a whole generation missed out on entering because they didn’t take the opportunity God was giving them. Don’t procrastinate and miss out on YOUR opportunity!
God will most definitely present opportunities to you this year. Prepare! Read the Word. It is easier to know what is God and what is not if you’re knowledgeable of the Word. Start building your faith. Don’t let fear control you. Ask God what His will is and listen for a response.
We are excited about what God is going to do in 2023! Get ready!
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