Missed Opportunities
Does God Have a Plan B?
Jeremiah 29:11 – New Living Translation – “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”
Ecclesiastes 9:11 – New Living Translation – I have observed something else under the sun. The fastest runner doesn’t always win the race, and the strongest warrior doesn’t always win the battle. The wise sometimes go hungry, and the skillful are not necessarily wealthy. And those who are educated don’t always lead successful lives. It is all decided by chance, by being in the right place at the right time.
Outline
- The Missed Moment
- Life is Full of Moments
- Take Action: Prepare for the Opportunity
- Here’s Your Challenge
The Missed Moment
Adele had always dreamed of becoming the head of her department at her company. She had worked there for years, steadily climbing the ranks, and the promotion seemed well within reach. Everyone in the office knew she was one of the most experienced employees, respected for her knowledge and dedication. But over time, she had grown comfortable in her role. The urgency to prepare for the next step faded.
When she heard that her boss was retiring, she felt a jolt of excitement. The position would be hers, she thought. After all, who else could they consider? Confident in her reputation and years of service, she waited for the announcement.
Meanwhile, there was Nadia. She had only been with the company for two years, much younger, and not as seasoned as Adele. However, Nadia had a different mindset. She believed in the principle that opportunity could arrive at any moment, and so she prepared every day as if the next big chance was right around the corner.
Nadia had taken on additional projects, learned new skills, and even built connections across departments. She kept her eye on the industry, attending webinars and staying up-to-date on the latest trends. While Adele relaxed into her position, feeling like her years of experience were enough, Nadia sharpened her skills and sought feedback to improve her performance.
One day, the email came—a new position was opening up, one that Adele had been eyeing for years. The position wasn’t posted for long, and before Adele could even finish preparing her application, she learned that Nadia had been offered the role. The news hit like a wave, unexpected and overwhelming.
“How could this happen?” Adele thought. “I’ve been here for so long, and everyone knows my work.”
Life is Full of Moments
Life is full of moments—some fleeting, others monumental. Each moment, no matter how small or grand, carries with it the potential to shape our future. Yet, how often do we let them slip away, waiting for a “better” time or a “perfect” opportunity?.
God has one plan for your life—Plan A. He is infallible, and His plans never fail. Every answered prayer and every blessing you receive is designed to bring Him glory. He takes joy in seeing you walk in the fullness of what He has destined for you. Imagine how a father feels when he gives his child the very best he has. That gift is marked with no one else’s name but yours. So why, after you’ve prayed, sought the Lord, and stood on scriptures like Jeremiah 29:11, does it seem like the blessing hasn’t arrived yet?
You’ve decreed and declared, yet nothing seems to shift. Here’s the truth: God’s blessings are often delayed, but never denied. His timing is perfect. He has a specific strategy, an opportunity, and a plan tailored just for you. But the key to receiving lies in preparation. Have you made room in your life for what you’ve been praying for?
We sometimes expect God’s blessings to fall into our laps, but preparation is essential. God is not withholding your blessing. Instead, He’s waiting for you to align yourself with the opportunity He’s set up. Picture the Father eagerly waiting to see His plans unfold in your life. But if you’re not ready, the opportunity may pass by.
God doesn’t squander His blessings. Although there’s no Plan B for your life, you control whether you’re prepared to receive what’s meant for you. The opportunity will come, but if you’re unprepared, it can move on to someone else who is ready. Don’t let what was designed for you go to another because you weren’t in position to receive it.
Your preparation paves the way for manifestation. Don’t just pray for the blessing—prepare for it. Make room in your life for what God is about to do, because when you’re ready, nothing can stop what’s destined for you.
This verse underscores a powerful truth: Life’s opportunities are not reserved for the fastest, strongest, or even the most skilled. Instead, time and chance come to everyone. The question is—are you ready when they come?
Take Action: Prepare for the Opportunity
Opportunities rarely arrive with fanfare. They often come quietly, disguised as everyday decisions, challenges, or open doors. Ecclesiastes teaches us that the unexpected is always in play, and only those who are prepared will seize their moment when it arrives.
1. Sharpen Your Skills
Even though “the race is not to the swift,” preparation through skill-building is vital. Are you developing your talents, your mind, and your spirit? Whether it’s through formal learning or personal growth, preparation happens daily. It’s the unseen work that will make you ready for the unexpected opportunity.
2. Stay Mentally and Spiritually Ready
The verse reminds us that favor is not guaranteed to the wise or skilled. Opportunities can arise for anyone, but without the right mindset, we may not see them. Cultivate faith and mental readiness, believing that your moment will come. Prepare your heart and mind for what God has in store, trusting His timing over your own.
3. Build Your Network
Opportunities often come through people—through divine connections. Who are you surrounding yourself with? Are you building a strong, supportive network? When you’re connected with the right people, it’s easier to recognize and act on opportunities that God may place in your path.
4. Create Space for Opportunity
The unexpected nature of time and chance requires flexibility. If your life is too cluttered with distractions, responsibilities, or unhealthy commitments, you may miss your moment. Make room in your schedule and in your heart to be available for the opportunities that God brings your way.
Seize the Moment
Ecclesiastes 9:11 is a reminder that life’s opportunities are not always about being the most qualified. It’s about being in the right place at the right time—and being prepared to act. You may not always know when or how the chance will come, but your readiness will make all the difference.
- Act now, not later.
- Trust the preparation you’ve put in.
- Believe that God’s timing is perfect, even when it seems unexpected.
Time and chance will happen to us all, but only those who are prepared will truly seize their moment. Don’t let this moment pass you by. Let Ecclesiastes 9:11 remind you that it’s not about being the fastest or the smartest; it’s about being ready when your time comes.
Here’s Your Challenge
What opportunity are you currently waiting for, and how are you preparing for it? If the moment arrived today, would you be ready to seize it, or would it pass you by?
Take a moment to reflect on your answer. If you’re not prepared, what can you do starting today to ensure you won’t miss the next opportunity God places in your path?