March 5, 2023

Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ’s gospel, and a door was opened to me by the Lord, I had no rest in my spirit, because I did not find Titus my brother; but taking my leave of them, I departed for Macedonia. 2 Corinthians 2:12-13

A look at a map will show the reader that the door being opened here is a door to the European continent. Paul must have understood that a door opened today may not necessarily still be open tomorrow. There is a readiness for sharing the Good News that is a foundational principle of kingdom building. We are to learn this readiness principle (2 Timothy 4:2) which will bear fruit when combined with recognition of the principle of providential opportunity.

Much of the foundation that Jesus laid was through one-on-one interaction. We need to be reminded—perhaps several times each day—that His Spirit is always at work. Thankfully, our obedience to any promptings of the Holy Spirit is only a reinforcement of what has been already done. Seeing others as Jesus sees them will strengthen our desire to be responsive to opportunities for sharing. An open door may be to a country, county, district, or town. But never overlook the individual nearby whose heart is ripe for harvest. Ask the Lord to increase your sensitivity to the ministry of the Holy Spirit in the lives of others. Ask Him to open your eyes to open doors . . .

But when [Jesus] saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” Matthew 9:36-38

Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. 2 Corinthians 2:14