I can remember back when I taught middle school history. I always started the day with what I called my “defining moment.” It would be displayed on the PowerPoint screen and the students would come into class and immediately begin working on it as I took attendance, took papers up, and answered some questions. This “defining moment” might have been a quote I wanted them to reflect on, a big idea to consider, some important vocabulary words for today’s lesson, or a prompt to write about. Whatever it was, it was important to the success of the lesson.
I got this idea from a time in my junior history class. We were talking about World War 1 and the different types of governments that were present for the countries involved. Our teacher talked about how great it was that we had a democracy. Now I had heard that word numerous times, but he was being so passionate about it that I had to ask the question, “what actually is a democracy?” This wasn’t necessarily part of his content to cover for that day, but he seized the opportunity. He started to tell our class about all the blessings we have from a democracy. He was very intentional and thoughtful with his words. By the end of the class, 90% of the students were crying, our teacher was crying, and we all left that day with more appreciation for our country. He took the opportunity presented to him and made it a “defining moment.”
These moments present themselves often in our spiritual lives too. God will create a situation where we have a “defining moment” present and it is up to us to decide if we will take advantage of the opportunity presented to us. In Acts, Peter had a similar situation arise and he did not let the moment pass him by. Peter and John had gone to the Temple where they saw a man lame from birth who was being carried in. Every day he would be carried in to beg from the people visiting the Temple. The man saw Peter and John and asked him for some money.
“Peter and John looked at him intently, and Peter said, ‘Look at us!’ The lame man looked at them eagerly expecting some money. But Peter said, ‘I don’t have any silver or gold for you. But I’ll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!’ Then Peter took the lame man by the right hand and helped him up. And as he did, the man’s feet and ankles were instantly healed and strengthened. He jumped up, stood on his feet, and began to walk! Then, walking, leaping, and praising God, he went into the Temple with them. All the people saw him walking and heard him praising God. When they realized he was the lame beggar they had seen so often at the Beautiful Gate, they were absolutely astounded! They all rushed out in amazement to Solomon’s Colonnade, where the man was holding tightly to Peter and John. Peter saw his opportunity and addressed the crowd…” Acts 3:7-12
The man who had sat at the Temple every day begging had been healed. Peter took notice of the reactions of those around him and saw his opportunity to share the gospel. The rest of the chapter gives Peter’s gospel presentation to those in attendance. He knew he had a “defining moment” at hand and that the people were open to hearing the Truth and so he shared.
God lays out opportunities like this to us–it is our job to take advantage of the opportunity and not let them slip by. Are we aware of the people around us and listening for those “defining moments” where we have the opportunity to share the gospel? When those opportunities arise do we take advantage or continue on our plan for the day? There are times when people are more sensitive to the things of God and we must not miss those moments. Take advantage of a defining moment today!
This devotional was written by Amy Carrico of Making the Moments Matter. Click HERE to follow her on Facebook!
Last Updated on May 28, 2025
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