Don’t Settle for None, Look for and Make Opportunity

“¹⁰I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity.” – Philippians 4:10 (ESV)

Here Paul is letting the Philippians know that he is okay. He is thanking them for their renewed interest in his well being. He acknowledges their concern for him and points out that since he was not with them, they had minimal opportunity to assist.

Isn’t that what I and we all experience. We may be concerned, but feel somewhat helpless as there may be little we can do in the moment since we are not there specifically to provide. We find ourselves in a situation where the opportunity to help does not match our concern for the need. I know that I will find myself in the position of settling on the idea that it is out of my hands and, there is nothing I can do.

But wait, we can always help. We have to look for and make the opportunity appear.

“¹⁶Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. ¹⁷Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. ¹⁸I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.” – Philippians 4:16-18 (ESV)

The Philippians did not do nothing. They made opportunities to help. They sent supplies and gifts to/for Paul, regardless of where he was. They found a way to give back. Shouldn’t we all do the same. I should not be giving up, I should be ramping up and making help possible. I should “just do it” as the famous slogan from Nike says. I have to create the chance to impact change and assist. I have to find the ones that are set up and join with them to do the work.

It is my responsibility to help and provide. I cannot take defeat and the attitude that all is lost. I have to look for and make opportunities to do the work and seize those chances to make a difference.

When have you given up thinking that the chance to assist was not available or had passed? Are you accepting the idea that you are not able to help? What if you made the opportunity and then did all you could to seize it in the interest of helping out?