Time for Opportunities

God’s timing fascinates me. When I think I’ve got a bit of control over my schedule, God reminds me that my time belongs to Him. This was clear to me recently when our schedule had to change because of a series of family events that pulled us out of our regular routine. After a few weeks in and out of the office, my task list increased while my sense of having a routine vanished.

Two verses remind me that God’s priority is for me to be open to what He wants me to focus on. Galatians 6:10 says to do good to all people “as we have opportunity.” Ephesians 5:15-16 challenges us to live wisely, “making the most of every opportunity.” The time God gives us should be used as opportunities for God’s glory to be reflected in our lives, including in the interruptions to our routines.

This reminds me how important relationships are when I get too focused on tasks. Planning ahead and making a schedule are necessary to coordinating all the relationships God gives us – relationships with God, family, ministry team members, friends, and others around us. Living to the best of our ability and for God’s glory involves thinking ahead and organizing our days, being wise with the opportunities God gives us (Eph. 5:15-16). And it also involves taking time for relationships, doing good to people as we have opportunity (Gal. 6:10).

God gives us things to do and people to know. Both tasks and relationships are important. Finding the right balance is the challenge worth pursuing.