Make the Most of Every Opportunity

Daily Devotional – Sunday, June 13, 2021
If you take me back home to fight against the people of Ammon, and the LORD delivers them to me, shall I be your head?
Judges 11:9 (NKJV)

In a previous devotional (From Outcast to Respected Leader), we learnt that Jephthah discovered his natural abilities as an organizer and leader. Soon, the people who had rejected him came seeking for his protection from Ammonites.

Today, we focus on Jephthah’ response to his kin. He asked, “Did you not hate me, and expel me from my father’s house? Why have you come to me now when you are in distress?” (Judges 11:7).

In verse 18, the humiliated elders reiterated that they valued Jephthah and wanted him to lead them. The wise Jephthah could not trust them. He had forgiven them but his rejection had taught him unforgettable lessons.

He answered, “If you take me back home to fight against the people of Ammon, and the LORD delivers them to me, shall I be your head?” (Judges 11:9). They accepted his demands.

Jephthah had three opportunities. One, deliver a lesson in humility to his family. Two, teach his kin never to discriminate other people. Three, expand his span of leadership beyond his small militia.

In Ephesians 5:16, God urges us to take advantage of every opportunity. Jephthah’s pact with his people propelled him to become a Judge of Israel. God used him to triumph over the enemies of Israel.

As you discover, exploit and maximize on your potential, take opportunities that come your way. Forgive people who reject and hurt you, but learn from those experiences.

Which area of your life requires decisiveness in exploiting opportunities while applying wisdom?

Prayer
Father, give me wisdom to identify and use profitably, opportunities that you give me.