Have you ever struggled with having to go someplace you really didn’t want to go, or forced with a group of people when you just wanted some time alone? Or, perhaps it was just the opposite and you were stuck alone when you wanted to be around others. Additionally, have you ever felt trapped in a situation you couldn’t seem to break free from? What we do during these times is both influential and impactful. Clearly, we can either pout about not getting our way, or surrender the situation to God to change our outlook and redeem the time for His purposes as we take advantage of three primary opportunities no matter where we might find ourselves:

Expose: As Christians we serve as His ambassadors and therefore, represent Him no matter where we are (2 Corinthians 5:20). So, how do we show up? Are we reflecting negative, bitter and downtrodden attitudes, or joyful, uplifting and positive outlooks? It’s not to be fake, but we must remember people are watching, especially when they know we’re believers. After all, Christ has given us much to be thankful for, even when things aren’t aligning to our preferences, and exposing others to this truth comes in various ways.

Encourage: Is our time with others spent complaining, whining and gossiping, or are we seizing the moment to encourage others and ourselves with truth and love (Ephesians 4:15)? We are all aware of the obvious negatives in the world, but what about the positives? There’s plenty of those to share too, especially for those who know Christ.

Engage: No matter where we are, do we sit on the sidelines, or get involved? It’s amazing how our attitude changes from negative to positive when we decide to make the best of a situation. We may not have preferred it, but since we’re there, let’s engage others and ourselves to participate, and be a positive influence to what’s going on around us (Philippians 4:12).

Application: “Make The Most” – Galatians 6:10
God is always with us, no matter how high, or how low our experiences may be. Therefore, even though we may not “feel” like doing something, we have His redeeming power to overcome, persevere and make the most of every opportunity that comes our way. Are we sitting with our arms folded, head down and pouting about something? Even though we are all tempted with these moments, thank God we don’t have to linger there! It’s a choice and through Christ we have the power to change our attitude from that of victim to victor and to share it with others.