"Open Door"

1st Corinthians 16.8-9 NIV

“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.”

Paul accepted the reality of adversarial pressure. He did not pray or wish it away. He acknowledged persecution like a fact of life in service to the Lord. For Paul, “a great door for effective work” was worth the opposition. Not every promise of God is pleasant or comfortable. 

You will be misunderstood. Your motives will be called into question. You will suffer rejection and persuasive people will say bad things about you. You may grasp the call and purpose of God with uncommon clarity, but you will be robbed of the opportunity to perform your calling. Someone will pretend to be your friend and betray your confidence to those who care nothing for you.

“In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted…”

2^nd Timothy 3.12 NIV

Do the work of Jesus with a sincere heart, and you will have enemies. Someone will oppose you. It may the one you least suspect. Your life has a purpose greater than you. Your destiny is secure and predetermined by God. You were created to do a great work in service to Jesus and you are on the path leading to its glorious fulfillment.

Opportunities abound and significance awaits. Souls will be saved. The kingdom of heaven will advance. The good news will spread and you will join the divine movement. You play a critical role in the unfolding plan of God on earth! You have not been forgotten. God’s hand is upon you. Your adversaries will surely scatter like dry leaves before the mighty wind of His Spirit.

You can make a difference...

“…because a great door for effective work has opened up to you.”