The author of an article in U.S. Catholic magazine tells of the time when he was not ready for the opportunity of a lifetime. Like many young men, he dreamed of playing baseball in the big leagues but never really thought the opportunity would come his way. Suddenly, it materialized as he was scanning the want ads for a summer job. The Toronto Blue Jays were having tryouts in his hometown. His baseball cleats were rusty and his pony league uniform was layered with dust, but he decided to go for it! Why not!

After arriving at the tryout site, his anxieties soared. “How long ya been practicing for this?” one hopeful asked another.” “‘Bout six months. Wished I started sooner,” he moaned.

Our would-be big leaguer had already struck out. He knew it and it was too late to do anything about it.² He simply hadn’t prepared for his day of opportunity.

One of the things I learned in the Boy Scouts many years ago, something I’ve never forgotten, was their motto: “Be Prepared.”

Other mottos I’ve never forgotten are these: “It’s better to be trained and not called than to be called and not trained,” and “Opportunity comes to pass—not to pause!”

It’s extremely important that we prepare ahead of time for this life including the following: getting an adequate education to prepare for meaningful life work (and preparing for a second and even a third profession if necessary in our rapidly changing world) …as well as training for marriage … parenting … and for old age.

It’s even more important and critical that we prepare now for the hereafter. In Bible times King Agrippa had the opportunity of a lifetime when the Apostle Paul invited him to believe in and accept Jesus as his Savior. As far as we know he never did do this and he missed not only an opportunity for a lifetime but for all eternity. “He was an Almost Persuaded.”

Don’t be an “Almost Persuaded.” If you have never accepted Jesus as your Savior, be sure to do this today as this is a day of opportunity for you. “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”³

Suggested prayer: “Dear God, please help me to see that life is full of opportunities—opportunities to serve you in a myriad of ways—opportunities to reach out and help others. Help me always to be ready and use these opportunities to glorify you. And above all, help me to be sure of my salvation and not end my life as an ‘almost persuaded.’ Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus’ name. Amen.”

2. From www.sermons.com.

3. 2 Corinthians 6:2 (NKJV).