Ready and Willing
Philip ran to him, and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah, and said, "Do you understand what you are reading?"
— Acts 8:30
Tell me, was the prophet talking about himself or someone else?
That was the question the Ethiopian dignitary had for Philip (see Acts 8:34, NLT). It's a good thing Philip knew the Bible because if he didn't, he would have had to say, "I don't know. Can I get back to you?" But this was an opportunity that had to be seized.
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That is why the Bible reminds us time and time again to prepare ourselves for such opportunities. Paul wrote to Timothy, "Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15, NLT).
Philip had prepared himself for the opportunity that was waiting for him. And you must prepare yourself for the opportunity that might be waiting for you today, tomorrow, or the next day.
I have found that when I am sharing the gospel—whether it's preaching or one on one—the most powerful tool I have is the Word of God. In speaking of His Word, God said,
The rain and snow come down from the heavens and stay on the ground to water the earth. They cause the grain to grow, producing seed for the farmer and bread for the hungry. It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it. (Isaiah
55:10-11, NLT)
I know that Greg Laurie's word can accomplish zero sometimes. But God's Word "always produces fruit" (verse 11). Let's hide it in our hearts and minds. Then, like Philip, we'll be ready for the opportunities God sends our way.
