Open Doors and Obstacles

Everyone looks for open doors of opportunity. As Christians, we believe that God opens such doors for his children, especially for ministry opportunities.  But just exactly how do we know when a door has been opened?  It would seem that when access is is available and the obstacles are removed would be a pretty good bet. That would make sense, right?  You may have guessed that my using right probably means wrong and you would be right,

The fact is that easy access may well be the work of Satan, who wants to trick you into making the wrong choice (cf. 2 Cor 2:11).  Remember the two paths of Matthew 7:13, 14?  Which path leads to destruction?  The easy one, which many choose.  Think of all the "shortcuts" and "get rich quick schemes" people have fallen for.  Isn't it much more in ticking to take a pill rather than change your lifestyle in order to get in shape?  Can you truly get in shape without reshaping your lifestyle?  Can you say "no way?"

The truth is, real growth usually is accomplished by overcoming obstacles.  Muscle is gained by the resistance of weights being lifted. Weight is lost by resisting tasty calories. It is in the hard work of plowing through resistant soil that a new harvest is achieved. When there seems to be no resistance, you may be falling for something.

Paul's ministry choices are good examples of this principle. Paul was arguably the most effective evangelist of his generation and one of the greatest of all time. Did he have an easy time of?  Did he choose ministry paths of least resistance?  Not at all.  Listen to Paul, in his own words, "a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me" (1 Cor 16:9).  Opposition or resistance did not deter him. It may have, rather, signaled a stronghold of Satan, which further inticed him to accept the challenge.

I'm not saying we should look for difficult ground to plow or pass on fertile fields.  I am saying that we need to be seeking God's direction and not worry ourselves with how many or how difficult the barriers may or may not be. We should concern ourselves with one thing only: What would the Lord have me do?  Relative ease or difficulty should not determine the Christian's path, God's will should.

Listen for His will in your quiet times of prayer and Bible study. Listen to the opinions expressed by trustworthy Christian friends and leaders. Pay attention to the Holy Spirit's nudges. Take notice of your life's circumstances and current events. Weigh all these factors out and seek God's will with all your heart - you will find it and you will be successful in God's sight. The world, however, may think you are crazy - many thought Jesus was, even his own family (see Mark 3:21).

Jus' Sayn.