Editor’s NOTE

The last two years were some of the toughest years of our lifetime, but in addition to the countless challenges we encountered, there were opportunities. Recognising and seizing those opportunities required preparation and diligence. As Guyanese and citizens of the kingdom of God, we are uniquely poised to seize the day.

Jesus, in the book of Luke, presented a classic lesson on pursuing opportunities. He tells a parable of a nobleman who travelled afar to seek a kingdom. Prior to his departure, he entrusted ten of his servants a certain amount of resources and instructed them to occupy until he returned. The account tells of their various actions and business ventures, including investments (Luke 19:13). We are likewise commissioned by Jesus to meaningfully occupy until he returns.

Opportunities present themselves at every juncture of our lives, and in various forms, both common and rare. As children of God, we are called to be discerning of the opportunities that align with His Word and purpose for our lives.

Retired Coca-Cola CEO, Brian Dyson once said that life is filled with five important principles: Work, Health, Family, Friends, and Spirit. He pointed to the fact that while work is vital, if it is dropped, like a rubber ball, it can and will bounce back. On the other hand, health, family, friends, and spirit, if dropped, like glass, can and will be shattered. For this reason, opportunities that may appear common, should not be underestimated. Great opportunities are often hidden in our everyday interactions, like our role in the family. Impacting the most important unit in society presents an incredible opportunity to impact the community and the nation.

Seizing opportunities requires an understanding of what is happening around us locally and further afield. We must be ever cognisant of the prospects, but more than that, we must be ever confident that as children of God, and by design, we can thrive in any environment. Renowned author, Dr Myles Munroe in his book, Overcoming Crisis, said solutions must be initiated and not waited upon. He proposes this proactive approach to life as a recipe for positive, forward growth.

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We are individual reservoirs of giftings and talents, predetermined by our Father for our walk here on earth - to live successfully and to fulfil His purpose. It is easy to be distracted these days by the plethora of motivational noise; some say unleash your potential, while others teach you how to harness your potential. So, which is it? Be resolute in your practice of carpe diem. Be intentional about stirring up your giftings and serving them well. The question, ‘what was I put here to do’ should be ever close to our hearts. Be faithful in the things over which you are entrusted stewardship, and whatsoever your hands find to do, do it well. In other words, harnessing your talent can lead to unleashed potential.

As our country approaches a period of rapid growth and change, we must all seek to become participants in the process. The volume of progress that we experience as a society, depends largely on the deliberate choices we make on a personal level. Jeremiah 29:5 encourages us to seize the opportunity to occupy, do business, build houses and live in them, plant gardens and eat their produce, and grow more food. Possessing land is an indisputable way to break the cycle of poverty.

We have a duty to ourselves, and to Jehovah God, to apply these principles and values to our lives. God’s plans are different from our plans and His plan is that we should prosper and be in good health. We must therefore be prepared and positioned to engage opportunities.