Revelation 3:8 [The risen Lord said:] “I know all the things you do, and I have opened a door for you that no one can close. You have little strength, yet you obeyed my word and did not deny me.” These words were written to the church in the prosperous city of Philadelphia. Most of the seven churches were criticised for some aspect of their life, but not this one. They were probably small in number, but they had persevered in the face of opposition and been faithful. The Lord encouraged them that he had opened a door for them, and because he had opened it, no one would be able to close it. What an encouragement this must have been for them! It was clearly tough going for the Christians in Philadelphia, and the danger at such times is that we turn in on ourselves. We just try to survive. I believe that God wants us to keep our minds and hearts open to new possibilities and opportunities. God is always in the business of opening new doors for his people. I love how the apostle Paul constantly looked and prayed for new opportunities. In his letter to the Colossians, he said: “Pray for us, too, that God will give us many opportunities to speak about his mysterious plan concerning Christ. That is why I am here in chains” (Colossians 4:3). Most other people would have seen their chains as the closing down of all opportunities, but not Paul! He was so eager to serve the Lord that even being in prison struck him as offering amazing opportunities for his ministry. I often speak with people who look back at the wonderful opportunities they had to serve God in the past, but now feel that these openings have narrowed down by reason of age or illness. Life constantly changes for all of us. Sometimes it is obvious that we have amazing opportunities open before us, and at others it feels more like staring at a brick wall. We can be sure of this: as we open our lives to God, even today, he is longing to show us new ways to serve him. Question What are the opportunities that God is giving you today to serve him? Prayer Lord God, thank you for this day and for the privilege of serving you. Help me to grasp every opportunity you give me and use them for you. Amen
