In recent meditations, we learned that until our skills and gifts are put in the context of opportunities, we don’t make much out of them. Opportunities are often tied to seasons; at other times they are in the context of a certain geographical sphere. A measure of discernment is necessary before we can locate them. There is yet another angle to the subject of opportunity, which is often overlooked. It is essential to note that opportunity is mostly tied to tasks, sometimes the unenviable or even risky ones. So instead of waiting and watching endlessly for opportunities to come, we may just get our hands dirty working. Our ability to respond to the call of duty is what puts us at an advantage over a vast majority who will shy away from the action.

The first king of Israel, Saul, was not looking for the throne. His father had commissioned him to look for the lost family livestock. It was while he was busy at that task that he was called to occupy the throne. David on his part was running errand for his father, taking provisions to his brothers at the warfront! That was his opportunity to hear the boastful Goliath. God packaged an opportunity that was going to bring him to national consciousness, but it came in that dreadful champion from Gath. Running from the call of duty may be missing out on the very opportunity which God has prepared to take you to the next level. There is a difference between luck and opportunity. Lazy people are always waiting for some lucky break, but serious people look for an opportunity even if that means hard work.