Unexpected opportunities

“Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, for ever and ever. Amen.”  Ephesians 3:20-21

I have always liked St. Patrick’s day, even though most of my heritage is German.   Once I heard the facts about St. Patrick himself, I grew to love this day and find great strength and inspiration in the celebration of this tenacious and amazing person of faith.

Patrick was believed to be a Roman, living in England. When he was 14 years old, he found himself captured and enslaved in Ireland.  He was forced to herd sheep. For 6 long years he was far from home and family, in a situation that he didn’t seek out, in territory that was strange and difficult. He turned to God, often praying 100 times a day, and 100 more in the night. “"I prayed in the woods and on the mountain, even before dawn. I felt no hurt from the snow or ice or rain."- St. Patrick

After a dream from God, he escaped by the coast and was reunited with his family.  He became a priest, and after another dream where Ireland was calling him back to serve and minister among them, he returned to the place he’d been enslaved.  He spent the next 40 years teaching people about God and establishing churches in Ireland.  He is legendary for using everyday things like the clover to teach about God.

What inspires me, this day, is that out of the midst of an unwanted and very difficult experience, Patrick turned to God and was able to see possibilities and new opportunities.  He courageously let God work through him in ways he couldn’t have expected. 

You and I may very well be finding  ourselves in a situation that we didn’t seek out, and in territory that is strange and difficult. How will we respond?

Will we keep turning to God and see what unexpected opportunities open up for us to share God’s love with others?  Will we look beyond the obvious trappings of our situation and dare to believe that God can work through us?  Can we dare to believe that all of our experiences can be tools for pointing others to God’s loving care, even if we cannot possibly fathom ‘how’ right now? 

Like Patrick, you and I have a purpose on this earth.  How will we let our circumstances open up new doors and new opportunities for sharing the faith today? 

Dear Lord, our experiences in life are not always what we expect them to be.  Utilize us just as we are, so that we can meet others where they are and share your love with them.  Amen.