The fear of rejection or looking ridiculous often prevents us from moving forward. It is like this in love as it is in business or spiritually. Yet, most of the time, all it takes is to open a small window of opportunity.

When we want a job in a particular company, at the very least we must send them our resume. Even if we pray for hours, declare all the promises quoted in the Bible and fast for 40 days. If we do not show ourselves to the company, if we do not send a CV or do not talk to a representative of the company, we will not have that job. We can’t force an employer to hire us, but we can at least give them the opportunity to meet and talk to us.

The same goes for many other areas of our lives. In our relationship with God for example. If we ask God for his instructions on a particular question, it is a good idea to give him the opportunity to answer! If we do not read our Bible, or go to our church service or clear our thoughts from all other distractions, how can we hear his answer? “Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise.” (Proverbs 19:20 NIV)

This truth also applies to the desire to meet a life partner. Most single women dream that a man will approach them (preferably handsome and rich!) and that he will flatter them with his sweet words and eyes. Several will even declare that the man must pursue the woman, he must “conquer” her. So the woman should be “hard to get” so that he has shown his courage.

In reality, the percentage of men bold enough to talk to a woman who caught their attention is very low. Most men are waiting for an opportunity to make their approach. The young man will stand in the entrance hall of the church, and wait until the pretty girl comes to say “hello”. Others expect at least a little smile. They do not want to be rejected when approaching a girl or to look ridiculous. So they’re waiting for a little opening. Women, why not simplify this task?

We are not talking here about making the first steps, although there is nothing wrong with a woman doing it. Ruth made the first steps towards Boaz! If a woman has the courage to make the first steps toward a man, nothing in the Bible will prevent her from doing so. We have already spoken on this in another article (to be read here).

Opening a window of opportunity simply means to smile at everyone (even the good-looking singles!). That means saying “hello” to everyone; to be helpful, courteous, kind. In short, not to think of ourselves too highly, and not expect men to be at our feet. It is to refuse the “princess attitude” and it’s to become accessible. Anyway, it is a position that we should all adopt in our relations with our brothers and sisters in the church, and especially with the unsaved. Christ made no distinction with anyone. He even spoke with a Samaritan woman, which was very badly seen at the time.

We are not saying to flirt with everyone, but only to be accessible. You can also give singles the chance to talk to you by organizing different social activities, or by volunteering at a Christian event. Another way to open windows of opportunity is work a little on our looks. If you take care of yourself, take a good shower and brush your teeth, it is more likely that someone nice will come to talk to you! If you look snobbish, haughty, you close the doors to good encounters. This is true for future romantic relationships, but also for friendships.

Although we have used the example of men approaching women so far, know that the advice goes both ways. Men, if you only talk to your friends, if you are not helpful or inviting, don’t complain about your social situation! This week go and open a few windows of opportunity; do so professionally, spiritually or in your relationships.