Still Praying for a Door

Text: Colossians 4:2-4 Theme: Paul never ceased to look for more ways to proclaim the Gospel. Key verses: “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ…Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.” What God said to me: When Paul wrote the letter to Colosse he had been in the ministry as a missionary for over 20 years. He was well-known to Christians everywhere. By that time, he had appeared before key government rulers and was infamously hated and feared among many Pharisees and church leaders. As your standards go today, Paul was “successful.” He had “made it.” He would be the equivilent of your most well-known and passionate evangelists and best-selling authors today. He would be greatly sought after for TV interviews and book endorsements. Yet, Paul was still asking others for prayer. Notice it wasn’t your typical Wednesday night church prayer request. Paul wasn’t seeking relief from his thorn in the flesh. He wasn’t asking them to intercede that his chains fall off and he walk out of his prison cell a free man. He didn’t ask for wisdom in planning his comfortable retirement package. Paul had one thing on his mind and heart, one thing that drove him. He wanted souls in the Kingdom. He was not content with his level of accomplishment in winning the lost. He so desired to make the mystery of my Son known that he asked twice in the same breath that he might proclaim it. Dwayne, he never stopped praying for a new and larger door to open.  Word to the wise: Don’t be driven by “building your platform or name.” Never be duped by worldly success. Rather, work tirelessly and pray fervantly for more doors, specifically a key door, to be opened by me to allow you to impact thousands for my glory. That prayer I will answer. What I said to God: Wow, Lord, You have once again revealed an amazing truth to me and nailed me to the wall with Your dead-on conviction and direction. I needed to be reminded that the opportunities that have come along for us, as amazing as they are, represent merely the tip of the iceberg. I cannot/will not be content with these initial doors. I now realize they are but entries to other, much larger doors to allow us to proclaim Your Gospel to this world. It’s not about me, but it’s for Your glory!