The Opportunities We Overlook

I have probably passed these people at some point on the street. Now, in my role as chaplain, I find myself in a hospital room with them, intimately aware of their struggles and needs. It’s amazing how a stranger can become more to you in a span of just a few minutes. You learn so much you didn’t know when you simply start asking and listening. You just have to be intentional.

Do I ever stop to think that every person I interact with has a unique story and relationship with God—whether good or bad? Do I really need a hospital crisis to put us on a collision course? Interacting with strangers on a daily basis has brought me to the realization that there are a whole lot of people who need the grace, compassion, and mercy of the church. Being a chaplain brings an awareness of the opportunities that exist in connecting and caring for people—offering real insight into their relationship with God. But I don’t think you need to be a hospital chaplain to find these opportunities. We just need to be intentional and faithful in our community circles—whatever and wherever they might be.

I recently preached on the first big miracle passage in Acts 3:1–10 where John and Peter heal the lame beggar. In my study, it became clear to me that we don’t lack opportunity; we overlook opportunity.

Peter and John go to the temple during the hour of prayer, which is interesting. Doesn’t the sacrifice of Christ nullify the sacrificial system? They know they are cleansed by the blood of Christ, but they also know there are people there who need to hear the good news. Peter and John show up expectant, setting themselves up for encounters with the unsaved.

They’ve probably gone to this temple at the hour of prayer many times throughout their lives, but this time it’s different. They are disciples of the risen Christ, renewed and forgiven. They have a mission. On the way they pass by a lame man by birth, begging for alms. Hindered by his disability, he is unable to enter the temple and worship. Instead, scraping by, he counts on the pity and guilty consciences of those leaving the temple after the hour of prayer. Peter and John don’t have what the man wants but they give him what he needs—an offer of reconciliation with God. After the man miraculously gets up and walks, what’s the first thing he does? He enters the temple with them, and everyone beholds the sight! Peter then takes the opportunity to preach the gospel, and many are saved upon hearing the message.

I love this passage. It’s rich and it’s convicting. Following John and Peter’s example, we can see five ways to faithfully respond to the evangelistic opportunities God places in our path.

1. Retrace your steps to find overlooked opportunities. Peter and John likely passed by this man many times before their discipleship with Jesus, thinking nothing of him. Yet, by the time we get to Acts 4, they see this previously missed opportunity in a new light.  The Spirit of God renews our minds in multiple ways; one of which is to see redemptive opportunities in the lives of those around us. We begin to see people not as obstacles to our happiness, placeholders, or extras in our own personal T.V. show, but as potential recipients of God’s grace and mercy. Our response to everyone should stem from the grand overarching truth that there is a good God, and he desires to see no one perish.

We don’t need new opportunities, but we do need spiritual discernment to see our circumstances in a new light. Perhaps it’s not that opportunities don’t exist but they don’t shine or sparkle like we want them to. I’ve sat across from many college students who have returned from a mission trip or summer camp leadership position on a spiritual high, eager to do big things for God. There would be this kinetic energy to jump into full-time ministry or pursue global missions. And then I’d ask them how many of their classmates they’d shared the gospel with, let alone knew their names. The excitement in their eyes would dissipate. Maybe it’s time we stop looking for new opportunities and just be good stewards of the ones we have right now—the ones we overlook. Let’s start by retracing our steps in everyday life and asking ourselves the question: Is there anyone we are passing by that we need to reach out to?

2. Remember the deeper need. I believe in being the hands and feet of Jesus. We ought to love practically and specifically, meeting needs just like Peter and John did with their miracle. However, at the end of the day, we also need to remember that what people need more than our money, our time, or our attention is reconciliation with God.

The gravity of the miracle is often lost on modern ears. The lame man’s ability to walk reflected the deeper theological narrative that God is gracious and merciful, and he had not abandoned him. The real prize for the man was finally being able to enter the temple of God to worship. Imagine how our acts of mercy and grace can be displays of this gospel reality. As his ambassadors, we offer the greatest message that God desires reconciliation with us and has provided this opportunity through his Son, Jesus Christ. Practical ministry should highlight this deeper truth, yet it is easy to overlook opportunities simply because we think we have nothing practical to offer. Beyond the man’s request for alms was a deeper need and a deeper longing. Let’s remember that what people ultimately need is what we as believers already have: peace with God.

3. Don’t underestimate the power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The dangerous temptation to overlook opportunity and fall into apathy is to have weak confidence in the power of faith in Christ. John and Peter knew the unbelievable power the gospel has over lost souls. It is capable of miracles, but more than that, it is capable of providing forgiveness. In some ways, our failure to evangelize and embark on opportunities is because we hesitate and wonder: Does the gospel really have the power to change a life? Let’s ask ourselves if our missed opportunities are simply ignorance or reflect a deeper doubt about what we ultimately believe is possible in Christ.

4. Faithfulness in small opportunities leads to further opportunities. After Peter and John perform the miracle and the man is saved, it draws the people’s attention. Once again, this miracle didn’t just showcase supernatural power but supernatural forgiveness from God. This faithfulness in a small opportunity opened the door to greater gospel proclamation. Imagine if John and Peter thought that helping a lame beggar didn’t warrant a big ministry opportunity. They would have missed out on the even bigger opportunity lying right behind it! Strive for faithfulness, not results, and you will be surprised by what God can accomplish.

5. Remember that the opportunities are meant to show God’s power, not ours. Lastly, we see Peter and John giving all the praise to God. Powerful displays of mercy and grace mean little unless they are associated with the God of grace and mercy. It is important to remember that ministry opportunity is meant for Christ-exaltation, not self-promotion. After all, what people need isn’t money, good health, or even acceptance by you or me. What they need most of all is a relationship with Christ.

Sometimes, we overlook opportunities because they won’t garner the praise or recognition we want. It’s low-hanging fruit for our self-esteem even if it’s a great opportunity to share Christ. The best evangelistic encounters are truly the ones in which the focus is all on Christ. In some ways, the obscure opportunities often bring God the most glory. Do not neglect the small acts of mercy and grace toward others for they humble us and bring God as much glory as the Billy Graham crusade that might reach millions.

I’m humbled by this passage. I’m praying for God to open my eyes to overlooked opportunities because I don’t want to miss a chance to share the love of Christ. You’ll find me retracing my steps in case I find any beggars I’ve already passed by—lost people who need God’s grace. I’m praying I don’t miss any. I pray you don’t either.