top of page
Writer's pictureDr Dagbue

Intentional Living: Embracing Opportunities and Finding Joy

Welcome to another episode of the Health for the Spirit, Soul, and Body Blog from Doxa Missions. Today, we’re looking at the concept of Intentional Living, exploring how embracing opportunities and aligning with God’s timing brings joy and fulfillment.

Too often, success is attributed to luck, but what if the outcomes in our lives reflect more than mere chance? Proverbs reminds us, “As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7, KJV). Our beliefs and actions shape our lives, and God’s plan invites us to live with purpose, intentionality, and joy.


A collage featuring two images and a bold title. The left image shows hands clasped together in prayer over an open Bible, symbolizing faith and devotion. The right image displays three smooth stones with the word "JOY" written across them, representing peace and fulfillment. At the bottom right, the text "EMBRACE INTENTIONAL LIVING" is prominently displayed in bold lettering on a dark background, emphasizing the theme of purposeful living

The Truth About Time and Chance

Many believe life’s blessings are random, yet Ecclesiastes 9:11 (KJV) offers wisdom: “I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong… but time and chance happeneth to them all.” This verse highlights two key truths: God is sovereign over time and orchestrates moments (often appearing as chance) for His divine purposes.

Time, as we experience it, is a steady flow of events—what the Bible refers to as Chronos. Meanwhile, God works within Kairos, His appointed and meaningful moments. When our preparedness aligns with God’s perfect timing, opportunities arise to step into His plans.

Let’s explore how three Biblical figures maximized their Kairos moments.

 

When Time and Chance Meet: Lessons from Bible Characters

Joseph: Patience and Divine Timing

Joseph’s story in Genesis 41 illustrates the beauty of waiting for God’s timing. After interpreting the butler’s dream in prison, Joseph was forgotten for two years. Yet when Pharaoh needed someone to interpret his troubling dream, Joseph was summoned, and his wisdom saved Egypt and his family.

If Joseph had been released earlier, he may have missed this pivotal moment. His story teaches us to trust God’s timing, even when it feels delayed.

David: Prepared for the Moment

In 1 Samuel 17, David was sent by his father on an ordinary task: delivering food to his brothers. However, that seemingly mundane day became the moment David faced Goliath and stepped into his calling. David’s readiness to act revealed God’s power and prepared him for future leadership.

Esther: Positioned for Purpose

Esther’s rise to the throne positioned her to save the Jewish people from destruction (Esther 6). Although her circumstances seemed coincidental, God placed her in a role that carried profound significance. Her courage to act at the right moment preserved her people and fulfilled God’s plan.

Each of these stories reminds us that when we operate in faith and preparation, God’s Kairos moments create opportunities that fulfill His purpose.

 

Opportunity, Preparation, and the Blessing of God

The world says “luck” happens when opportunity meets preparation. As believers, we recognize this alignment as God’s providence. Romans 8:28 (KJV) assures us, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.”

God works in all circumstances—joys and trials alike—to prepare us for His blessings. By seeking Him, we can recognize and act on the opportunities He places before us.

 

Making the Most of Every Opportunity

Intentional living requires us to embrace every circumstance, trusting that God is at work. Here are four ways to live intentionally and cultivate joy:

  1. Use Every Circumstance: Like Joseph, David, and Esther, seek God’s purpose in every situation. Challenges can become opportunities for growth, and blessings can be stepping stones to greater things.

  2. Seek Significance Over Success: John Maxwell explains, “Success is about you, but significance is about others.” When we focus on serving others, we experience deeper fulfillment and joy.

  3. Find Your “Why” and Act On It: Intentional living starts with discovering your God-given purpose. As we align our actions with His will, we live with meaning and clarity.

  4. Stay in Prayer and Wait on God: Psalm 46:10 reminds us, “Be still, and know that I am God.” Waiting on God isn’t passive; it’s a time to prepare and strengthen our faith for the opportunities to come.

 

The Joy of Intentional Living

Living intentionally brings peace and joy because it aligns our lives with God’s purpose. By focusing on others and trusting God’s timing, we step into His plan with confidence.

Coach John Wooden once said, “Happiness begins where selfishness ends.” When we live for God and others, we find joy in making a lasting impact. Blessing others is the heart of intentional living.

 

Six Steps to Intentional Living

John Maxwell’s principles provide a practical roadmap for a life of purpose:

  1. Live Your Story: Embrace your unique life journey as a calling from God.

  2. Be Highly Intentional: Commit to daily actions that reflect your values.

  3. Start Small, Believe Big: Begin where you are, trusting God for growth.

  4. Discover Your “Why”: Seek God’s guidance to uncover your purpose.

  5. Put Others First: Prioritize helping others over personal success.

  6. Add Value from Your Strengths: Use your God-given talents to lift others.

 

Embrace Your Kairos Moment

Intentional living requires readiness and faith in God’s timing. Ecclesiastes reminds us that time and chance happen to all, but our response determines the outcome. As we prepare and trust God, we can seize opportunities with confidence, knowing they are part of His divine plan.

When we embrace our Kairos moments, others may call it luck, but we’ll recognize it as God’s providence.

 

Thank you for reading this episode of the Health for the Spirit, Soul, and Body Blog from Doxa Missions. Have you experienced a Kairos moment when God’s timing brought purpose to your life? Share your story in the comments below—we’d love to hear how God has worked in your journey!

Recent Posts

See All

Comments


bottom of page