Doors speak of opportunities, challenges, and a chance to take the next step. When a door is closed we cannot progress, so we look for other avenues. The Bible speaks of open doors for the believer to walk through, which are an invitation from our Savior to be used for His glory. Are you walking through them?
Open doors come with challenges
“A wide door for effective service has opened to me, and there are many adversaries” (1 Cor. 16:9 NASB).
With the open door, there will come attacks from the adversaries. This is something that must be understood to avoid discouragement. However, this will also provide an opportunity for spiritual growth. When you walk through open doors, the enemy opposes you in many ways, which is a sign of Gods blessing. Our adversaries with their opposition will cause our faith to stretch when we learn that we are powerless. But according to John 15, our Savior said “without Me you can do nothing.”
It’s crucial for us to accept the challenge to serve with complete devotion to the Lord Jesus. However, the believer understands that Satan opposes those who bring glory to God by their obedience.
Jesus opens the doors to service
In Rev. 3:8, Jesus says he knows our deeds: “Behold, I have put before you an open door which no one can shut, because you have a little power, and have not denied My name.”
Christ is the one who puts the open door before us to serve. Believers must realize that we “have little power” and we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to do the work set before us by the Lord Jesus. We don’t approach the work of God thinking we are going to take the bull by the horns. The Lord will quickly shut the door when pride or self-interest try to get through the door.
Matt. 25:14-30 teaches us that our talents are given by God to serve while the door of opportunity is open. This text explains that some make use of God’s gifts and some do not. Verse 15 says “each according to his own ability,” and later, that God “settled accounts with them (v. 19).”
Everyone will give account to the Lord in the end (1 Cor. 3 & 2 Cor. 5). When the doors open, it is our responsibility to walk through the door. Charles Ryrie says, “two men were given the same reward, indicating that faithfulness in the use of the different abilities given to each of us is what is required.” Likewise, Paul reminds us in 1 Cor. 4:2 that stewards are required to be found trustworthy.
The rewards for being faithful are great. Jesus reminds us in Matt. 25:21 that even if we’re faithful in a few things, God will open more doors and give us more serving opportunities. We will have an abundance of opportunities (v. 29), and we will experience true joy (v. 21 & 23). However, those who aren’t faithful will experience a loss of opportunities to serve in a greater capacity (v. 29).
Christ is the one who puts the open door before us to serve. Believers must realize that we “have little power” and we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to do the work set before us by the Lord Jesus.
The Result of walking through open doors
Joy: As the scriptures say, God gives us joy so that his joy may remain in us (John 15:11), rejoice in the Lord (Phil. 4:4), for the joy set before Him (Heb. 12:2). In doing God’s will there is joy even in the midst of pain and suffering.
Purpose: The concept of walking through open doors implies work, effort, intense prayer, and sacrifice. However, consider how Paul said we are God’s workmanship, “created in Christ Jesus for good works (Eph. 2:10).” I like the way the New Living Translation says it: “We are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” We will find purpose in life by being engaged in the work God has for us.
Has God opened a door to serve? Then don’t quit, and expect opposition, struggles, and adversaries. Be faithful to walk through the open door and God will reward you with more. And don’t forget that the joy that accompanies service is unrivaled.
Ray Gonzalez – Guest Contributor
Ray Gonzalez was commended in 1993 by the Spanish assembly in Houston, Texas. He is married to Laura and they have three children, and grandchildren. He is an itinerant speaker, disciples young believers and serves as an elder in Westlake Bible Fellowship, Westlake, Ohio.