Actor Milton Berle once said, “If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.” Hi, I’m Tom Ellsworth from Sherwood Oaks Christian Church with a minute message.
Everyday life demands intentionality. I believe we often miss the chance to make a difference just because we are not alert to the opportunities waiting at the door. And when we finally do seize the moment, it may be just a bit too late. Does the name Elisha Gray ring a bell? If you don’t recognize him, you’re in good company. On March 7, 1876, Mr. Gray submitted plans for a truly brilliant invention to the U.S. Patent Office. Unfortunately for Mr. Gray patent number 174,465 had been issued earlier that same day to another gentleman with a similar invention. Some even suggest that Gray’s idea was the superior of the two. Nevertheless, when the phone rings, we don’t remember the name Elisha Gray we remember Alexander Graham Bell.
The Scriptures are filled with the stories of those who seized the moment as well as those who didn’t. God gives us the same choices today – don’t get caught second in line when you can make a first rate difference. When opportunity knocks, or…uh…calls, answer on the first ring!