Looking at serving as an opportunity

13 Nov, 2016 - 00:11 0 Views

The Sunday Mail

Tinashe Zinyemba Christian Youth —
We are mid-way through November and many students are winding up exams. We pray for good results. Also, the rainy season is fast-approaching, that in itself relief from the scorching heat being. Let us pray for rains this season. On that note, let me remind readers to be aware of the season of life that you are in so that you know what to do.

1 Chronicles 12:32 says, “And of the children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do…” Some people miss their opportunity and season.

For example, if you are in the presence of great people (in experience, age, or otherwise), that is the time to learn from them: improve yourself. If you are in a team it is better to work together than compete against each other.

Seasons change and so do people. If you have enemies, maybe this is the season for reconciliation. Be observant and circumspect. We are in a season of thanksgiving as the year is fast coming to an end. Take time to thank God for all He has done for you this year.

We have been discussing opportunities in recent weeks. They are difficult to come by these days. An opportunity can be defined as a possibility due to a favourable combination of circumstances. Today we want to look at another way of creating opportunities.

Firstly, let’s look at serving. This has a way of opening doors not planned for.  Genesis 24 tells us of a young girl, Rebekah, who comes from a poor family and you can tell she is not one of the popular kids of the community because she arrives at a well all by herself.

This is where she meets Eliezer, Abraham’s servant, who has been sent by his master to find a wife for Isaac. Unbeknown to Rebekah the servant has a test for her, and she passes with flying colours.

She does more than expected because she has the heart of a servant. Rebekah’s life changed that day because of her acts of service to the servant of Abraham. She became the daughter-in-law of the wealthiest man alive at the time, her family received an impressive offering as her dowry (lobola/roora), and – most importantly – she became the mother of Israel.

You have no idea who is watching you. When you serve you automatically make yourself a candidate for promotion. There was a man named Nehemiah. Scripture describes him as the king’s cup bearer. The cup bearer did not just carry the cup of the king, as his role was to taste the food and drink of the king before the master consumed, lest somebody tried to poison his boss.

It was surely a risky job. The king was heartless, to put someone else’s life in danger to save his. Yet Nehemiah served faithfully. Nehemiah 2:2 says, “Wherefore the king said unto me, Why is thy countenance sad, seeing thou art not sick? This is nothing else but sorrow of heart…”

The king noticed something was wrong with one of his trusted and faithful servants. Nehemiah was given resources by the king and allowed to go back to Jerusalem to rebuild the wall and restore the nation. Nehemiah’s service indeed helped unlock the restoration of the nation Israel. Your service can save a nation.

Some are serving as police officers, farmers, teachers, doctors, nurses, business people, husbands, wives, sons and daughters. That service has the power to set the nation free and release restoration. Finally, we look at Joseph, who throughout his life was a faithful servant.

Joseph’s quality of service made him stand before the most powerful man alive at that time. Not only did he stand before Pharaoh, he also got promoted to be the second person in power in Egypt.  He woke up in the dungeon but later slept in the palace.

If one wants to create opportunities, dedication to service is key. Apostle Paul in Colossians 3:22-23 says, “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.”

Opportunities come to those who serve. Jobs are scarce but volunteer and do something elsewhere.  Sow time as a seed. Do more than is expected, even without being paid.  The Kingdom of God is made up of servants with Jesus Christ being the chief servant.  That is all for now, till next week take care and God bless.

Tinashe Zinyemba is a pastor with New Life Covenant Church. Email feedback to [email protected]

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