The story of Bartimaeus receiving his sight from Jesus is one that’s often talked about in the classroom of primary schools and in Sunday school classes. It’s one of the many encounters of faith in the Bible that has so much significance. It is also a good demonstration of making excellent use of an opportunity.
In that story, Bartimaeus beckoned on Jesus with the phrase “Have mercy on me.” He was rebuked and dismissed by the crowd, and despite his disability, he kept faith and continued to push through the crowd. Eventually, Jesus recognized his voice and said to him, “Your faith has healed you.” And he was made whole.
Bartimaeus did not allow the crowd to discourage him.
He did not allow those who rebuked him to sideline him.
He did not let his disability stop him.
He did not procrastinate or fear rejection.
He did not postpone the encounter till the next time Jesus passed.
He did not get discouraged after the first call.
He did not ask someone to chase after Jesus for him or speak on his behalf.
He did it all by himself, with his might and time.
He utilized the opportunity to be saved and he was saved.
His determination not to be discouraged, his focus, his voice and his persistence saved him.
What characterized him is that he did not let the opportunity slip.
He threw off his cloak (distraction), held onto faith (his calls) and continued walking with Jesus through towns and villages on a dusty road (his focus).
Dear young one, like Bartimaeus, life will present you with opportunities to be healed, to be saved, to be connected, to be famous, to be great, to be wealthy or to fulfil one desire or the other. You may be opportune to dine with the great, to pass through great doors, to be honoured in great places, to be showcased on big platforms. Don’t allow it to slip. Make the most use of it and shine with it.
Opportunity seldom knocks many times. Even when it does, it may not be in the same form or shape. It’s important to identify it and be prepared to seize it with all your might and all your abilities. It may present itself as a challenge, leaving you to convert the challenge into an opportunity.
However, when an opportunity is missed, do not let the shame and guilt become shackles that will prevent you from getting prepared for the next. Redemption is possible if you’re willing to face and fix your mistakes.
Restrategise and be ready, another opportunity may call. Experience has taught me that the more opportunities you grab, the more that are open to you. Take chances, dare risks, stretch your capabilities, expand your ideas, and experience new things.
When opportunity slips, it may be gone forever!
✍️Amara Ann Unachukwu
