2 Stories, 2 Opportunities

Kingdom Opportunities

This past weekend I was hit with some perspective—a powerful reminder of why we must stay alert for Kingdom opportunities wherever we are. I want to share two stories: one personal, the other through the eyes of my team. Together, they paint a picture of how God continues to move through the everyday lives of His people.

As we pursue business, family, and personal obligations, it’s easy to forget that Jesus is actively at work all around us. But we—His church—are called to be His hands and feet. While He can move wherever and however He wants, He most often chooses to move through us. He works through the willing.

Friday Night in Indianapolis

I was in Indianapolis for a golf event, staying in an Airbnb downtown. While my family, friends, and I were enjoying a fun evening inside, someone outside was experiencing one of the worst moments of their life.

My brother and I heard a car horn repeatedly honking in an unusual way. We looked out the window and saw a lone vehicle with the lights on in a nearby lot. We decided to step outside and check it out. What we found was heartbreaking.

A young woman named Lilly was in the car, going through a severe mental and emotional crisis. We called for emergency help, but while waiting, we began speaking with her through the window. Little by little, she opened up. We assured her that she was not alone, that God saw her, and that He loved her deeply, even in this darkest of moments. We were able to pray with her, comfort her, and help her to see that God had sent us there for her. It was no mistake.

She made it through the night. But the memory has stayed with me because it was such a clear example of a Kingdom opportunity. One we could have missed had we ignored the moment.

Saturday: Beds for Kids

On Saturday, some of our team members delivered beds to children in need around our city. Just 15 minutes from where most of us live, they encountered families living in some rough conditions. Children were sleeping on floors or in very inadequate arrangements. It was sobering to see, which wasn't new for this team.

But it was also motivating.

Our team’s love for the people they served was evident. I heard the stories when they returned, and while my heart often breaks for the realities others face, it also leaps with hope when I witness the compassion and generosity of those I get to work with. God is clearly on the move—through people who are willing to serve in whatever ways they can.

The Scriptures I Can’t Shake

There are two verses I haven’t been able to shake this week:

“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
— Matthew 25:40

“Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”
The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.”
Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”
— Luke 10:36–37

I can’t shake these verses for two reasons:

First, Jesus has already done everything for us. His invitation in Matthew 25, that when we care for others, it’s counted as if we’ve done it for Him is stunning. He knows each of us so well and loves us so deeply that when we show love to others, He receives it as love for Himself. That’s a beautiful truth.

Second, Jesus gives us a command in the parable of the Good Samaritan: “Go and do likewise.” That means when we see need, when we're wronged, when someone around us needs mercy, we must react. Being a neighbor, being a follower of Christ, means loving the people Jesus loves. And who does He love? Everyone.

The Opportunity Ahead

Sometimes Kingdom opportunities won’t be convenient. Sometimes they’ll disrupt your schedule or stretch your comfort zone. But the Holy Spirit is undefeated in introducing the right moment for His people to act.

Let’s keep our eyes open this week. Let’s live with purpose and compassion, remembering that God is on the move—and He wants to move through us!

-Mark