Last week Huw* began the Worldwide MyFriends Training. We had only completed the introduction, but before we met again for our first session this week, God had already given him an unexpected opportunity to talk about Jesus.

Huw is a retired accountant, although he still occasionally helps people with financial matters. Recently, an older man he had worked with professionally came to see him for some advice. As they talked, the man began sharing about the many problems he was facing.

Huw hadn't planned to talk about Jesus that day, but as he listened, he sensed an opportunity. He asked, “Do you have any faith? Do you believe there is a God?” That opened a friendly conversation about God.

As the man was preparing to leave, Huw remembered a small booklet called Try Praying. He gave it to him and explained that if he were facing all these difficulties, one of the things he would do would be to pray.

The man hesitated. He felt it might be rather “mercenary” to start praying simply because he needed help. So Huw told him, “God loves you.” He used the simple picture of a father who loves his little boy. A loving father doesn't become annoyed because his child keeps coming to him and asking for help.

The man left with the booklet and something new to think about.

I love this story because Huw had only just begun the MyFriends training. He didn't organise an evangelistic event or go looking for a stranger to talk to. Someone came to him looking for accounting advice, and in the middle of an ordinary conversation, God provided an opportunity to talk about Jesus.

That is so often how it happens. A friend tells us they're worried. A neighbour mentions a problem. Someone at work begins talking about what is happening in their family. A person asks us for advice. In the middle of everyday life, God can open a door.

Our part isn't to manufacture the opportunity. We can ask God to provide it, then be alert enough to recognise it and courageous enough to take the next step.

Who might God bring across your path this week?

Perhaps our prayer can simply be:

Lord Jesus, please give me an opportunity to talk about you this week — and help me recognise it when it comes.