We are, by nature, creatures of habit, easily lulled into complacency. However, God wants more from us, so He nudges us forward, compelling us to change and to see the world through His eyes.
As He does this, He reveals new opportunities to grow in Jesus Christ and share Him with others. He brings people and situations to our awareness, opening doors for the ministry of the Gospel. As we walk through these doors, we serve as ministers of God's reconciliation, obeying His commission and participating in His redemptive plan.
He brings people and situations to our awareness, opening doors for the ministry of the Gospel.
In the first three chapters of Revelation, Jesus, speaking through the apostle John, exhorts and rebukes the seven churches in Asia. Of these, the church in Philadelphia receives a commendation: "I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name" (Revelation 3:8).
Jesus knew that this church was weakened by continual attacks from unbelieving and hostile Jews. Even so, they were faithful to God. Jesus could have said, "Take a breather. Strengthen yourselves for the fight." Instead, He pointed them to an open door of opportunity that only He could open and shut. He challenged them to stand firm and to seize opportunities provided by the open door.
Today, Jesus presents open doors of opportunity for His faithful saints to walk through. No matter how tired, weak, or overwhelmed we may be, we must walk through them. Jesus could have said that the sufferings of the Philadelphian church were enough. Instead, He indicated that His grace was sufficient to meet the opportunity He had given to them.
Each of us has been given an open door. How faithful are we to do the work that God has entrusted to us?
Prayer: God, I pray that You would give me the grace and strength to walk through the open doors You place in my life, no matter how challenging that may be. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
"See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut" (Revelation 3:8).
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