Taking chance often means doing something without a plan. Like going to a popular restaurant for dinner on the weekend without a reservation or driving through a yellow light. Chance often depends more on luck than planning.

However, opportunity comes from a situation, whether it is of your making or not. It is like a gift that you can choose to accept or not.

In 1 Samuel, David encountered two crucial opportunities to eliminate Saul, first in the wilderness of Engedi (1 Samuel 24:1), and then in the wilderness of Ziph (1 Samuel 26: 2). As David approached Saul's camp at Ziph, he found Saul surrounded and protected by an army of three thousand elite Israelite soldiers. Surprisingly, they were all fast asleep, which presented David with a remarkable opportunity. Isn’t this the opportunity given by God to destroy Saul, as Abishai said? God seemed to have delivered Saul into the hands of David.

Despite the temptation he faced, David did not give in to the urge to kill his rival. He recognized that he had no power to end Saul's kingship, which God had anointed. He reasoned that Saul's death would be determined by God. David's final decision was to obey God and choose to give up the opportunity. David later became king of Israel.

Likewise, Scottish athlete and Olympic gold medallist Eric Liddell faced a serious dilemma when one of his games at the 1924 Olympics was scheduled for a Sunday, a day of rest and spiritual significance for him. Liddell refused to sacrifice his faith in Sunday's race, thereby losing the chance to defend his title in his best event - the 100 metres. Instead, he turned his attention to the 400m, a distance where he felt less confident. Liddell eventually won gold in the 400 metres.

What really set Liddell apart, however, was his subsequent decision to give up a promising athletic career and return to China as a missionary. Despite his Olympic success and opportunities, Liddell remained deeply committed to serving God and others. The rest of his life was devoted to missionary work in China, where he taught and served until his death during World War II.

When faced with the opportunity to achieve significant success, it is critical to consider our priorities. Should we trust our instincts, rely on our friend’s advice, or seek divine guidance? And do we have the courage to turn down a tempting opportunity to stay true to our beliefs and values, just like David and Liddell did? These are the important questions that reveal our character and principles.

Prayer : Dear Father, Help us to trust in your guidance and wisdom as we navigate life's choices. May we have the courage to stay true to our beliefs and values, even when faced with tempting opportunities. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.