The Open Heaven 24 May 2025 devotional for today is HANDLING OPPORTUNITIES.
This is a daily devotion written by Pastor E. A. Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).
OPEN HEAVEN 24 MAY 2025 TODAY DEVOTIONAL
TOPIC: HANDLING OPPORTUNITIES
MEMORISE
I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all..
Ecclesiastes 9:11
READ: Ecclesiastes 9:10-11
10 Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.
11 I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.
RCCG OPEN HEAVEN 24 MAY 2025 TODAY MESSAGE
The author I referred to in yesterday’s teaching also said, “Life is an opportunity; seize it.” I agree with this saying. Indeed, life is an opportunity, and you must grab it with both hands.
I learnt a poem way back in 1957 which says,
“There is a tide in the affairs of men Which,
taken at the flood, leads on to fortune;
Omitted, all the voyage of their life Is bound
in shallows and in miseries.”
The above poem means that when people take an opportunity and make good use of it, they will attain higher heights; however, if they let it go, it might never be regained. Believe me, God is fair to all. He will, at one time or the other, present you with the opportunities you need to fulfil your destiny. The rest of your life will then depend on how you use the opportunities He has given you.
Today’s memory verse says that time and chance happen to ALL. Everyone will have their time and chance, but some will not seize it.
When some people are struggling, especially the elderly, it is likely that they misused their time and chance when they were younger.
Many people don’t even recognise an opportunity when it comes. This is why you must always be spiritually alert. Imagine what would have become of me if I did not use the opportunity of being in The Redeemed Christian Church of God correctly, or if I had left the church at the slightest provocation. At that time, I wouldn’t have known it, but I would have walked away from my destiny.
People who are easily offended often miss their opportunities because opportunities sometimes come in unattractive packages. For Samuel, his opportunity came in the house of Eli and his wayward sons. If Samuel had gotten offended as a child and told his mother that he wanted to return home, he might have missed the opportunity to become the great prophet whose word never fell to the ground (1 Samuel 3:19).
For David, his opportunity came when he obeyed his father’s instruction to take food to the battlefield for his brothers (1 Samuel 17:14-20). I pray that you will discern your opportunities and use them well, in Jesus’ name.
PRAYER POINT
Father, help me see the opportunities You send my way, and please empower me to seize them, in Jesus’ name.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR
Nehemiah 11-13
RCCG HYMN 15: Pass Me Not O Gentle Saviour
OPEN HEAVEN DEVOTIONAL 24 MAY 2025 COMMENTARY
Memorise: Ecclesiastes 9:11 (KJV)
This verse reveals that divine opportunities (“time and chance”) come to everyone, but success depends on recognizing and seizing them.
Bible Reading: Ecclesiastes 9:10-11 (KJV)
Solomon’s wisdom emphasizes maximizing every opportunity (“whatsoever thy hand findeth to do”), as our earthly window is limited.
Key Insights from Today’s Open Heaven Devotional
1. The Nature of Divine Opportunities
- Biblical Characteristics:
- Universal: Comes to all (Ecclesiastes 9:11)
- Time-bound: “A tide…taken at the flood” (Shakespeare)
- Disguised: Often in humble packages (1 Samuel 16:11)
- Non-repeatable: Esther’s “for such a time” moment (Esther 4:14)
- Modern Examples:
- The author’s decision to stay in RCCG despite challenges
- David’s obedience to deliver food becoming his anointing moment
2. Why Opportunities Are Missed
- Spiritual Dullness (Matthew 13:15)
- Failing to discern God’s hand in circumstances
- Offended Spirit (Matthew 11:6)
- Rejecting opportunities because of imperfect vessels (Samuel with Eli)
- Comfort Zone Mentality (Luke 9:62)
- Like Lot’s wife looking back (Genesis 19:26)
- Procrastination (Proverbs 6:10-11)
- The foolish virgins missed the bridegroom (Matthew 25:1-13)
3. Biblical Models of Opportunity Seizers
| Character | Opportunity | Action | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ruth | Gleaning rights (Ruth 2:2) | Worked diligently | Became David’s ancestor |
| Nehemiah | King’s cupbearer role (Nehemiah 1:11) | Requested Jerusalem’s rebuild | Completed the walls in 52 days |
| Peter | Post-resurrection fishing (John 21:3) | Cast net on Jesus’ word | 153-fish miracle |
4. How to Position for Your Divine Moment
- Maintain Spiritual Alertness (Mark 13:33)
- Daily prayer and Scripture study sharpens discernment
- Develop Obedience Reflex (1 Samuel 15:22)
- David’s food delivery seemed mundane but led to Goliath’s defeat
- Reject Offense (Proverbs 19:11)
- Samuel served under corrupt Eli without becoming bitter
- Embrace Discomfort (Hebrews 11:25)
- Moses chose affliction over palace pleasures
5. Consequences of Missed Opportunities
- Personal:
- Regret (Esau’s lost birthright – Hebrews 12:16-17)
- Poverty (Proverbs 20:13)
- Generational:
- Israelites’ 40-year wilderness delay affected their children
- Eternal:
- The rich young ruler’s choice cost discipleship (Mark 10:21-22)
Life Applications
For the Hesitant:
- Action: List 3 current opportunities you’ve been avoiding
- Prayer: “Lord, give me courage to step into my ‘such a time as this’ moment”
For the Offended:
- Study: Joseph’s attitude toward his betrayers (Genesis 50:20)
- Declaration: “I refuse to let people block my blessings”
For the Comfortable:
- Warning: Read Revelation 3:15-16 – the danger of lukewarmness
- Challenge: Take one faith-stretching step this week
Warning vs. Promise
- Warning: “Neglected opportunities breed future struggles” (Proverbs 24:30-34)
- Promise: “God rewards diligent seekers” (Hebrews 11:6)
Conclusion: Your Tide is Coming!
- Divine moments are seasonal – recognize your “flood tide”
- Obedience in small things unlocks greater opportunities
- Your response today shapes your legacy tomorrow
Prayer Response
“Father, open my eyes to recognize the opportunities You send. Give me Samuel’s discernment, David’s courage, and Ruth’s diligence to seize each divine moment. Let no offense or fear make me miss my destiny, in Jesus’ name. Amen.”
Final Charge
“Will you be like Peter casting nets at Jesus’ word, or the rich young ruler walking away from destiny?”
Your greatest opportunity may be disguised as your next obedient step!
Read RCCG Open Heaven Devotional for Tomorrow
Download Open Heaven 24 May 2025 Devotional PDF
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