Every Opportunity

Oh, remember the bitterness and suffering you have dealt to me! For I can never forget these awful years, always my soul will live in utter shame.

Yet there is one ray of hope; his compassion never ends. It is only the Lord's mercies that have kept me from complete destruction. Great is his faithfulness; his lovingkindness begins afresh each day. Lamentations 3:19-23 (TLB)

It is God himself, in his mercy, who has given us this wonderful work [of telling his Good News to others], and so we never give up. 2 Corinthians 4:1 (TLB)

Nomi Sridewi Girsang lives in North Sumatra, Indonesia. Because of her family's economic situation, Nomi had to work for three years before continuing her education. She was excited for the opportunity to go to college.

After finishing her education in law, Nomi had hoped to get a dream job and provide for her family economically. It turns out it's not easy to get a dream job. However, Nomi started working in a religious bookstore, and she has worked there for several months now. Sometimes she feels sad while remembering the dreams and hopes she had when she was in college. Nomi still wants a job that allows her to use what she learned in college, and she would like to help her family afford her brother's education.

But one day the Holy Spirit spoke to her heart: "Serving God is a gift and a very special opportunity." Then Nomi learned to be grateful for every opportunity God has entrusted to her. This special opportunity to work and serve in a religious bookstore comes from God. Nomi doesn't know about tomorrow, but she is grateful that today she can serve and work for God.

Prayer: Dear God, thank you for the many opportunities you bring us to witness to your grace-filled love. In all that we do, we want to honor you, in Jesus' name. Amen.