Look for God to send new opportunities for growth

“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good …

— Galatians 6:10 (NIV)

Twenty-some years ago, I was helping to put away the folding table and chairs after drama practice when a friend approached me.

“We really need some help in one of our Sunday school classes; I thought you’d be the perfect candidate. All you have to do is help the teacher with the class.”

Being a nurse manager and the mother of three boys, I figured I could probably handle that job. So I accepted.

The task of teacher’s helper wasn’t difficult at all. I was finding it enjoyable as I listened to some of the old Bible stories I heard as a child. After the lesson was finished, I would hand out papers and other necessary materials to help the kids with a project pertinent to the lesson we just heard.

One Sunday after class, the teacher approached and said she needed to talk with me.

“I wonder what this is about?” I thought.

As she opened her mouth, in her soft-spoken voice, she explained that she would be moving in the next few weeks. The pivotal point was she needed me to take over teaching the class right away.

I explained I didn’t know anything about teaching the Bible. I knew Bible stories from growing up in church, but I never considered myself knowledgeable enough to teach it.

“Just follow the weekly lesson plan from the book, you’ll be fine,” she gently replied.

Little did I know at the time this small detour of plans was an opportunity set up by God to direct me to my call as a Bible teacher.

Since then I have enjoyed spending countless hours studying and learning what God has to teach us and then helping others to learn and apply it to their lives.

I have been invited to speak and teach at luncheons, community functions, women’s retreats, hospitals and numerous places. I didn’t realize all the greater things God had in store for me. It started because I accepted an opportunity along the way.

Watch for those opportunities in your life. You never know when new gifts are discovered and big dreams are being set in motion from those small opportunities.

Ÿ Annettee Budzban is a Christian author, speaker, life coach and nurse. Join her from 3-4 p.m. Saturday, June 15, at Panera Bread in Crystal Lake for “Dream Big! Make your dreams reality.” Conference is free. Registration is preferred due to limited seating. Call (847) 543-8413 or email Annetteebudzban@aol.com