Opportunity

Charlotte was still staggering from the worst snowstorm in a decade when we got another surprise -- an earthquake! Compared to west coast earthquakes, this was no biggie -- 4.1 on the Richter scale. I didn't even feel it. But my husband did. He thought our crazy dog Lucky was nosing the couch. However, then he realized Lucky was nowhere in sight and figured it was either a ghost or an earthquake. I think it could be the end of the world, all these strange anomalies. So I had my favorite pizza for lunch. If the world is ending, I want to go down with deep dish pizza as my last meal. (Unless, someone wants to offer me lobster dipped in butter.)

But, the earthquake shuddered a few houses and then was over and done. And the snow from the blizzard is almost entirely melted now from the streets. Later in the week it is forecast to be 70 degrees. Incidentally, that is the day I have organized the next homeschool ski trip. The mountains will be 20 degrees cooler, but still...Mighty strange happenings this winter.

When things are out of the ordinary, they get our attention. Sometimes it takes shockwaves to shake us out of our complacency. When God sends those earth shaking moments, there is a reason. He reminds us that in the end days, there will indeed be earthquakes, along with a whole host of other fun phenomenon like famines and pestilences, and terrors. Believers will be persecuted. And how does God describe all this terribleness? Opportunity!

Yes folks, that's right. The Bible says this is God's provision of opportunity for us to bear witness of Him. Nothing quite compels the unbeliever to seek shelter in God than disaster. What golden opportunities are presented before us to give the reason for our hope and our future! Might be good to start practicing what we will say for the next time opportunity strikes! ( I mean something other than, "Yikes!")

Luke 21: 11-13
11 There will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences. And there will be terrors and great signs from heaven. 12 But before all this they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for my name's sake. 13 This will be your opportunity to bear witness.