Missed Opportunity!

Has any ever felt that they have missed an opportunity to share the love of Christ or to pass on the word of God to someone in need? I asked this because I was in this same situation early in the day. Last night, well I was praying I asked God through Jesus if there was anyone that I could help that he would allow them to cross my path. Which, ended up happening when I was on my way into a store a young man, maybe in his early 20's came up to me and asked me for some change, my reply was sorry I don't have any on me right now, then he walked away and as I continued to the store entrance, I heard someone say something to me, so I looked to my left and it was that young guy calling me an unmentionable name, so I look at him like really, you just called that and continued to walk in the store and that was the last time I saw him. The main reason I' am writing this is because I feel guilt in my heart that I could have made an impact for God in that person's life, but did not take advantage of the opportunity that God put forth for me. So, as I sit here writing this piece I was pondering on what I could have done better, such as, maybe asking him if he was hungry, telling him I don't have change on me, but I have something to share with you that can change your life, or just saying something simple like " Jesus Loves You". I pray that God allows me another opportunity to be a blessing to someone else and response's would be appreciated.

yes i do i once missed the opportunity to share the love of christ

There have been two times in my life when I clearly failed to obey God and reach out to someone. (Not necessarily with the gospel directly, but in sharing the love of Christ with others.) Both times have stuck with me as lessons learned, and have convicted me to obey immediately and without hesitation next time I am presented with an opportunity and feel the Lord's leading.

Once, I was at a restaurant and went back out to my car to get something. I saw a homeless man hanging out on the porch and felt an urge to give him some money. I did go to my car and get some cash to give to him, but when I was walking back I noticed that he was smoking a cigarette. I hesitated at that point, feeling that if he had money for cigarettes, then he didn't really need what I had to give him. I went on inside the restaurant, and almost immediately it struck me that he had gotten the cigarette out of the trash can. I felt very convicted, not only of disobeying God, and of judging the man, but also of not trusting that God knows what he is doing, and he directs all details. What business is it of mine what the man did with the money I gave him? That is between him and God. I went back out to give him the money, but he had disappeared. I walked around looking for him but could not find him anywhere.

At another time, I was in McDonalds with my family and saw a homeless man sitting at a table. I felt an urge to go over and talk with him, ask him how he was doing or if he needed anything. I hesitated because I was with my family, my kids... I didn't feel free to go visit with him. As we were eating I kept thinking about him. I was about to make my move when he caught my eye, got up and left the restaurant. I went outside to ask him if he needed anything, but again, he was no where in site.

I know that God is teaching me things through these experiences. To obey without question, to be brave, to be compassionate. I wish that I could learn in an easier way, but these lessons have definitely been branded into my mind. They were effective teaching tools, as failings go.

There is one that weighs heavily on me. A woman had recently lost her husband to suicide. I found out through divine design where this widow lived and I heard God clearly telling me that He wanted me to go with an older married woman of the church to offer comfort to this woman and share His love with her. It was all lined up for us to go and meet with her. The reason it is shameful for me is that I delayed to finish watching a t.v. show and when we arrived, the woman had gone to the funeral and we weren't able to meet with her. I was in my late teens at the time...this wasn't recent...but I am acutely aware of how I put the world and my flesh above the call of God and that was definitely a life lesson for me that I will never forget.

Thank you all for sharing.

Yes I have missed the mark. This was in a Bob Evans anf we were traveling
and stopped for quick lunch. A man somewhat shabbily dressed came in and
was probably a regular because the waitress seemed to know him. I had this
inner knowledge we should pay for his breakfast/lunch. I felt it deeply but
did not say anything to my husband. I have regretted that moment even today.
I had another incident in a restaurant and a worker, young guy, was sitting
one table from me and my husband and he was alone. My Spirit kept saying
go to him. "I am like why?" What am I going to say to him. I kept feeling
the pull, but, the Holy Spirit had a word for him, but I don't know what it
was. I held back too long because another co-worker came to sit with him.
I felt I let God down. I know the most one can say to us if they don't want
to hear it, all they can do is say I don't want to hear about it. We must
remember the times we have been rejected were not toward us but rejection
of Christ. So let us all agree we will speak up for Christ this year. I think
it is a crucial year for the Word to get out. Praying we as sisters and
brothers in the Lord, will go all the way as the Lord nudges us in our Spirit
and trust He will give us the words. Amen ~J~K~2

me tpp. I will never forget it. I was in a laundry mat and a women asked me about Christ, I was a very new Christian I told her to come to my church and she would have all her questions about Jesus answered. I wish I had done differently. However, that was the Lord letting me know he is the power not me. Now, I just let him to the work and I just let him use the vessel.

I have missed opportunities not once or twice but heaps of times, but I've also taken hold of opportunities heaps of times too