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.
God
writes opportunity on one side of the door and responsibility on the other.
(RBC)
