Jack Hibbs: Jumping At The Opportunities He Provides
Revelation 3:8 states “…See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name.”
Before we consider the verse before us, we must remember that in Ephesians 3:18, the apostle Paul prayed that believers would comprehend the width, length, depth, and height of the love of Christ. The outpouring of Christ’s love is of such incalculable dimensions that we should have great courage in every endeavor He initiates.
We’ll brave risky activities like parachuting from an airplane for the thrill of it. Yet when it comes to eternal ventures, we pray, “O Lord, use me,” but draw back in fear. What we ought to do is pray and then jump! Jump to share the gospel, jump into ministry, and jump to serve others. “But I want Him to open the door first.” God doesn’t work that way. When you say to Him, “I’ll do whatever You say,” and start moving in that direction, the door will open.
Opportunities presented don’t mean that there won’t be opposition. In fact, expect Satan to muster his forces against you. “For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries” (1 Corinthians 16:9). But know this: If Jesus sets before you an open door, no power of earth or hell can shut it.
Jesus commended the Philadelphian church for three precious characteristics: they had a little power, kept Christ’s Word, and did not deny His name. If that is true of you today, expect God to open doors. What you must do is take advantage of the opportunities He provides.
