"Opportunity"

BIBLE READING: James 1. 2-6
                       
If you ever get a chance to, you should watch the movie Evan Almighty, if for no other reason than Steve Carell is in it (and he’s hilarious).  The premise of the movie is that Evan Baxter (Carell) is a newly appointed Congressman who is approached by God, played by Morgan Freeman, and is asked to build an ark but isn’t given the reason as to why.  Evan’s wife, Joan, shows much doubt about her husband’s “crazy” project, and its effects on their 3 sons.  In the middle of the movie, one of the best parts occurs, and if you blink, you’ll miss it.  Joan, sitting in a restaurant, by herself is approached by God (Freeman), who is posing as a waiter named, “Al Mighty.”
Al:       I love that story, Noah and the Ark.  You know, a lot of people miss the point of that story.  They think it’s about God’s wrath and anger.  They love it when God gets angry.
Joan: What is the story about then?  The ark?
Al:       Well, I think it’s a love story about believing in each other.  You know, the animals showed up in pairs.  They stood by each other, side by side, just like Noah and his family.  Everybody entered the ark side by side.
Joan:  But my husband says God told him to do it.  What do you do with that?
Al:       Sounds like an opportunity.  Let me ask you something.  If one prays for patience, do you think God gives them patience?  Or does He give them the opportunity to be patient?  If they pray for courage, does God give them courage, or does He give them opportunities to be courageous?  If one prayed for their family to be closer, you think God zaps them with warm, fuzzy feelings?  Or does He give them opportunities to love each other?  Well, I got to run.  A lot of people to serve.  Enjoy.
What have you been praying for lately?  Do you think God is going to zap you with it?  Or do you think He’s going to give you opportunity for it?  Open your eyes.  Look around.  Opportunity is all around you.

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