A Door for the Word

There are opportunities that pass by, when we could speak of God’s glory and love. So often the door opens and then closes, and we miss the ‘moment’.

In Colossians Paul tells us to keep praying, with thankful hearts that God will open this door of opportunity for the Word. God is the one who opens the door, and enables us to share this mystery of the Christ with people. He knows people’s hearts, and when their spirits are receptive to His Word. He will give us His words of love and wisdom, to share our faith with them.

Let’s pray for those who have the gift of preaching and teaching the Word, that God would open that door as they speak. They need our prayer. Paul needed that kind of prayer, that the two-edged sword of the Spirit would touch the ‘heart places’ with the truth. ‘For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries’ (1 Corinthians l6:9). And so it is today.

So let’s be watchful, especially backing up those whom we know, who are on a mission, or who are called to speak. And let’s pray for ourselves that we will be prepared for those times that the door of opportunity opens to us in daily conversation, and to recognise who is opening that door.

Once I was walking alongside a lady in the park. She was wearing a Hijab (Muslim dress) and as I felt that the door was open I just said, “Jesus loves you.” She responded with such a burst of gratitude, thanking me profusely for my words. Maybe she was a secret believer, I thought. The Holy Spirit knew exactly what was going on in her heart.

‘Wear shoes that are able to speed you on as you preach the Good News of peace with God’ (Ephesians 6:15, LB).

Prayer: Forgive me for the missed opportunities, dear Lord, and please help me to recognise those times when the door is open. Help me to be more prepared and vigilant, in Jesus’Name. Amen.