Recognizing Good Opportunities

In March 2018, I had the privilege to go to Israel. It was a gift from my husband for our 10th anniversary. How God provided the funds is another story altogether. My husband had noticed the grin on my face anytime the TBN Israel tour commercial would appear on our TV screen. It always made my eyes lit up. I already knew we couldn't afford it, so I kept telling myself that one day, I'll also be on that trip.

At the last minute, God amazingly provided the funds. We had paid a substantial amount to the IRS a while back because they had written to us about not reporting all of our income. When we least expected it, they refunded all the money we had paid them, including the interest. What perfect timing!

There were a hundred and one things we could have done with the money, but the first thing my husband said to me was, “Go on your Israel trip. I know it means so much to you.” That was a big, pleasant surprise, and I was beyond excited!

Anyway, that was a backdrop to what I wanted to share today. It was not in my original write-up, but when I decided to share what I had written, the Holy Spirit brought what my husband did for me to mind. What he did was an excellent example of recognizing a perfect opportunity to put a smile on my face. It was an unexpected kindness. I love how God reminded me of an example right under my nose.

Like my husband, Ruth recognized an opportunity to love her mother-in-law, Naomi (Ruth 1:16-17). She (Ruth) could have used her newfound freedom to do whatever she liked, but she chose to follow a woman in desperate need of love and care. Unexpected kindness.

Like my husband, the good Samaritan recognized a great opportunity to help a total stranger in need (Luke 10:25-37). Unexpected kindness.

Like my husband, Rahab saw an opportunity to be kind to 12 stranded spies from Israel who she could have easily considered enemies (Joshua 2). Unexpected kindness.

My prayer for you and me is that when good opportunities present themselves, God will open our eyes to see and be a blessing to someone.