The Bible says we should be alert so we don’t miss our opportunity to do what is beneficial (Prov 10:5, LB). Opportunities used lead to further opportunities but failure to recognize and use an opportunity causes loss (Mt 25:14, Weymouth appendix). Complacency, born of laziness or pride, will cause us to miss an opportunity (Lk 12:35, Voice). Sometimes, though, we can miss an opportunity because of another. This was true when Pharoah’s chief cupbearer forgot to help Joseph (Gen 40:23). In such cases, we can count on the Lord to provide us with other opportunities – as He did for Joseph (Gen 41:8-40 cf. Rom 8:28).
British Major Patrick Ferguson invented a rapid-firing breech-loading rifle capable of four shots a minute while hitting a target at 200 yards. It was so superior to every other rifle that it would have all but guaranteed a British victory against the Americans in the Revolutionary War. The British army chose not to adopt the rifle and only manufactured 200 of them (Tuchman, First Salute, p 204). Sometimes the Lord blinds people to opportunities because He has other plans (Dan 2:21).
Had they been heeded, there were a number of incidents which could have foiled the surprise attack at Pearl Harbor. To name only two: discounting of the sighting of the Japanese midget submarine trying to slip into Pearl harbor that morning and the radar officer explaining away the radar blips as being American B-17’s instead of enemy planes. “The tragedy of life is not so much what men suffer, but rather what they miss” (Carlyle).
How many times do we miss opportunities? May the Lord give us hearing ears and teachable spirits so we don’t miss the revelation and open doors He offers us.
Instead of being timid, learn to be appropriately bold.