Text: Ecc.9:11
11 I returned and saw under the sun that — The race is not to the swift,
Nor the battle to the strong, Nor bread to the wise, Nor riches to men of understanding, Nor
favor to men of skill; But time and chance happen to them all.
INTRO
Everyman has what may be called time and space to act or an opportunity to do a particular
thing or to become something we had planned or as God had revealed. What then is opportunity? A
number of definitions are available:
· Oxford Advanced Learners Dictionary
– A time when a particular situation makes it possible to do or achieve something.
– A time when the circumstances are right for doing something.
· The American Heritage Dictionary
– An appropriate or favourable time or occasion
– Situation or condition favorable for the attainment of a goal.
– A good position, chance or prospect for advancement or success.
From the above therefore, we can see that opportunity is a set of circumstance that make it
possible for things to happen. It can be created by any or a combination of the following:
– People – My 1st Bank Job
– Circumstance – ISam.17:17-24- David’s encounter of Goliath
IBB & the Northern Elders
– Challenge – 2Kings 4:1-7- The prophets widow and Elish.
Jonathan/Yar’adua
Some opportunities can arise by a combination of all of these factors e.g
2Kings 7- The famine is Samaria as a result of the blockade of Syria, the Prophets word, The
Lepers and the Noise of chariots.
From our text therefore we see that being strong
Fast
Smart
Educated or Skillful
does not always guarantee success in life. Smart and skilled people may still lose in the
matters of life – because of time and chance i.e a well timed coincidence! Therefore, pls note:
To win in life;
– Our natural abilities, talents, training and connection, though needed may not always
guarantee success.
– There are lots of circumstances or occurrences in life that are not in our control and
the way we respond to them will determine whether we win or lose.
When Opportunity comes, How does it Look?
· There are 3 faces of opportunity
i. Chaos
When things are thrown out of their normal order i.e a state of complete disorder and confusion
a. Peter walking on the water – Matt.14:22-29
b. The ascension of Sonekan & Jonathan as presidents in Nigeria.
Please note, not all chaos is destructive some are sent to create opportunities for the
prepared.
ii. Challenge
When pressure is exerted to produce or demand arises for a result.
Mordecai’s challenge to Esther-Esth.4:13-17
Esther confronted Haman – Esth.7:1-7
iii. Calling
A demand arises requiring the skill you have been learning or preparing for e.g
Ezra – Ezra1:4 And whoever is left in any place where he dwells, let the men of his place help
him with silver and gold, with goods and livestock, besides the freewill offerings for the
house of God which is in Jerusalem.
Ezra 7:10
10 For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Law of the Lord , and to do it, and to teach
statutes and ordinances in Israel.
Ezra 10:4
4 Arise, for this matter is your responsibility. We also are with you. Be of good courage, and
do it.”
The Lord Jesus Christ Lu.4:16-21
16 So He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up. And as His custom was, He went into
the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read. 17 And He was handed the book of the
prophet Isaiah. And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written: 18
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me
To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,* To proclaim
liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are
oppressed;
19 To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord .”* 20 Then He closed the book, and gave it back
to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all who were in the synagogue were fixed on Him.
21 And He began to say to them, “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”
Please note:
(i) God often answer our prayers by giving us opportunities to accomplish things. May
you not miss the moment of your visitation especially in
§ Investment opportunities
§ Relationships
§ Travels or Education
(ii) A quote from Leonard Ravenhill a 20th century revivalist goes thus:
§ “The opportunity of a life time must be seized in the lifetime of the opportunity” Meaning:
– Opportunity has a life span, once lost may never come again e.g Esther & Peter.
– Opportunity typically favours the prepared
– If you desire or are prepared, even in your weakness there is enough strength to take
your opportunity.
– The opportunity despised today, could be the key to a future road block.
WHY WE MISS OPPORTUNITIES
1. Lack of preparation – what look me before MA
2. Fear is often a major constraint because –we have no idea which opportunity will give us
access in the future – Ecc.11:1-6;
Cast your bread upon the waters,
For you will find it after many days.
2 Give a serving to seven, and also to eight,
For you do not know what evil will be on the earth. 3 If the clouds are full of rain,
They empty themselves upon the earth;
And if a tree falls to the south or the north,
In the place where the tree falls, there it shall lie. 4 He who observes the wind will not sow,
And he who regards the clouds will not reap.
5 As you do not know what is the way of the wind,* Or how the bones grow in the womb of her who
is with child,So you do not know the works of God whomakes everything.
6 In the morning sow your seed,
And in the evening do not withhold your hand;
For you do not know which will prosper,
Either this or that,Or whether both alike will be good.
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