WHERE ARE WIDE-OPEN DOORS FOR THE GOSPEL TODAY?
From this passage it appears that Paul was living in Ephesus when he wrote his first letter to the Corinthians. Ephesus was one of the great cities in the Roman empire located on the Aegean coast of Asia Minor in the country we now know as Turkey. Paul stayed in Ephesus for at least three years and found the city to be a “wide-open door” for the gospel, not only for its citizens, but also as a hub of ministry in reaching those in the surrounding cities.
Yet, wherever there are people coming to Christ and getting saved, there is also increased activity inspired by our chief adversary, Satan. So, Paul planned to stay in Ephesus as long as the gospel door was open, knowing that such doors do not stay open forever. There is an urgency to such opportunities that Paul recognized. Are we looking for such wide-open door opportunities in our world today?
PRAYER: Dear Father, strengthen us to faithfully minister wherever You have opened a door of ministry. Teach us to listen and look for where You are already at work and join You there. For we are ineffective without You. Lord, open doors of effective ministry in our city. In Jesus’ name, amen.