In the first Part of this teaching we talked about how many times we fail to experience something despite being present at the site of the event, and how this also happens in our spiritual lives. In this part we will start by considering some cases of biblical characters who knew how to seize the moments they spent with Jesus.

The woman in the crowd

As Jesus was on his way, the crowds almost crushed him. And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years, but no one could heal her. She came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak, and immediately her bleeding stopped. “Who touched me?” Jesus asked. When they all denied it, Peter said, “Master, the people are crowding and pressing against you.” But Jesus said, “Someone touched me; I know that power has gone out from me.” Then the woman, seeing that she could not go unnoticed, came trembling and fell at his feet. In the presence of all the people, she told why she had touched him and how she had been instantly healed. Then he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.” – Luke 8:43-48

Only one woman among all those in the crowd could get something. This was because she approached Jesus with expectations of receiving Jesus’ power in her life. She realized her need and recognized that only Jesus could fulfill them. She could not afford to miss the opportunity so she did the need what she needed to approach Jesus and get her miracle.

Saul

As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” – Acts 9:3-6

Saul’s experience is much more impressive. Even though he had completely different expectations (persecuting christians), he experienced the presence of the Lord and decided to get the most out of his experience. At that time there was no analysis of what has just happened, he just decided to become a follower of Jesus. His life shows the significance of this experience for him. After his experience he didn’t stop and said: “WOW, What a beautiful experience! That was so good that I want to fall to the ground every day!” No. Paul decided to move forward.

We must have our spiritual eyes open so we are able to detect the daily opportunities that we have to experience God’s presence in our lives. Not like those who were near Jesus, but were unable to experience his presence, but like those who knew how to seize every moment with Jesus.

What shall we do?

• This is not only about spending long time with Jesus and seen great miracles, as the apostles
• This is not only about walking at His side as the disciples from Emmaus
• This is not only about being at the right place and the right time as Saul’s companions
• This is not only about being so close to be at the point of pressing him as the crowd
• This is not only about knowing all the bible promises as the religious leaders

This is about a desperate desire to obtain His blessing at any cost (as the woman in the crowd).

It depends on us. No more being close without having any experience. No more being there and not being.

Decide to seize every moment with Jesus to experience the fullness of each opportunity He offers to us. Lets choose to be.