Open Doors

Judges 9-10; Psalms 49; 1 Corinthians 16

“But I will stay on at Ephesus until Pentecost, because a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me.”

1 Corinthians 16:8, 9

With the opening of a great door for effective ministry, there is often significant spiritual warfare and opposition. This is why the Lord in his mercy does not open doors for us until we are ready for the spiritual battle and conflict that will come. In Ephesus, Paul fought “wild beasts” in spiritual battle, even as he called people to follow the “way of love” (1 Corinthians 15:32). Prominent members of the Ephesian society became Christ-followers including Erastus, the city’s director of public works. Alexander, the metal worker, led the guilds to riot in opposition to the message of the gospel in Ephesus. His opposition continued even as Paul left the city. However, Paul was clear that “we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of evil who work through people” (Ephesians 6:12). Wide open doors of opportunity require vigilance and effective prayer to walk through and to hold the ground.

“Lord Jesus your victory on the cross is both my message and my method in mission, for your glory.”