APRIL 11, 2012
Open Doors
Read: 1 Corinthians 16:1-12
For a great and effective door has opened to me. —1 Corinthians 16:9
The Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard (1813–1855) wrote:
“If I were to wish for anything, I should not wish for wealth and
power, but . . . for the eye which, ever young and ardent, sees
the possible.”
The apostle Paul saw some great ministry possibilities in his
life situations. He used the open doors God provided to
witness for Christ. When he was arrested in Jerusalem and
appeared before Governor Felix, he used the opportunity
to proclaim the gospel (Acts 24:24). While he and Silas were
in prison, they shared the gospel with the Philippian jailer
(Acts 16:25-34). And later Paul used his imprisonment in
Rome as an opportunity to encourage the Philippian believers
in their faith (Phil. 1:12-18).
In writing to the church at Corinth, Paul told the believers he
wanted to visit and spend some time with them, but that he
needed to stay in Ephesus because of an opportunity for ministry:
“I will tarry in Ephesus until Pentecost. For a great and effective
door has opened to me” (1 Cor. 16:8-9). And Paul also involved
others by asking them to pray for open doors so he could speak
clearly about Christ (Col. 4:3).
Ask God to show you possible open doors of service. You might be surprised at what you see.
Jesus said to one and all:
“Take your cross and follow Me.”
When you sense the Spirit’s call,
Seize the opportunity! —Hess
God writes opportunity on one side of the door and
responsibility on the other.
Source: Our Daily Bread 2012
