Rev. Dr. Terrence Evans has learned what matters most in life through his experiences at home, in the pulpit and on the basketball court. His advice? We only miss the shots we decide not to take.
by Terrence Evans
There is a four-word phrase most of us have heard at some point in our lives. It frames fruitful moments ripe with possibilities while simultaneously being measured in duration. The phrase “the window of opportunity” conveys a moment full of chance and choice that will fade if not taken advantage of. The window of opportunity shows up quite frequently in our lives, but for some of us, the shades of distraction, doubt and difficulty cause us to miss the great offering of possibilities presented by our gracious God. Difficulty with seeing beyond our “right now” often restricts many of our viewpoints and mindsets, which leads some of us to focus more on the “might not” instead of the “can be.”
Albert Einstein once posited, “In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity.” So, my dear friends, what opportunities are you looking for when pressure-filled moments show up in your life? Are you seeking opportunities to trust in God and the God-given abilities with which our Creator has gifted you?
“Trust God’s provision and protection more than the stagnate place made comfortable by the bed of familiarity and fear.”
Terrance Evans
As I humbly submit these questions for us to ponder, I am reminded of games I played as a Georgia State University basketball player, especially when the intensity grew exceedingly high and the pressure was on. Oftentimes, I witnessed players with opportunities to score and positively impact games buckle under the weight of the moment and miss “the window of opportunity.” Shots were open for them to take, but they did not take them. The opportunity was there, but the player pump faked and passed. The right play was called to create a clean look at the basket, but the player played it safe and did not take the shot. This choice often led to poor possessions, turnovers and the player being benched for fear of taking what he may have considered a bad shot. During high-intensity games, as shot opportunities were presented with the game on the line, I remember my coaches saying, “There is only one bad shot, and that is the one not taken, so shoot your shot.”
My friends, I tell you the same thing my coaches told me: When the window of opportunity opens, shoot your shot. Go back to school. Start authoring the book. Go on the date. Open the business. Walk away. Do the soul work you know you need to do. Take the trip. Be happy. Trust God.
Beloved, trust God’s provision and protection more than the stagnate place made comfortable by the bed of familiarity and fear. The Bible clearly tells us in 2 Timothy 1:7 that “God did not give us a spirit of fear …,” so trust that God has opened this moment, this window of opportunity, for you to exercise your faith. The ball is in your hands, so square your shoulders and feet, jump and shoot your shot.
Rev. Dr. Terrence Evans is the pastor of St. Paul A.M.E. Church in Covington. For information, visit www.stpaulamecov.org.
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