Always Be Ready: Pray For Open Doors

We must always be ready. In fact, 2 Timothy 4:2 says, “Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.” But how do we stay ready to share the gospel of Jesus and be available to whatever he needs us to do? We are taking this week to look at what we can do as followers of Jesus to always be ready. Yesterday we talked about learning to hear God’s voice. Today’s tip is this: pray for open doors. Colossians 4:2-4 says, “Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison – that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.” We must be diligent to pray that God would open doors for us to share and reveal the message of Jesus with others. In your workplace. In your neighborhood. With your friends and family. Jesus’s message is powerful. Contending in prayer for opportunities to release this message is just as important as releasing it. You will know when God opens a door. Someone may ask you about why you’re so joyful. Or why you are full of faith when everything is scary. When you follow Jesus, people see something different in you. God, Yahweh, the Father, the Creator of the universe designed us to be partners and co-heirs with him. He sent Jesus to bring us back into relationship with him so that we can actively participate in helping him reveal the kingdom of heaven on earth until Jesus returns. It is not a passive salvation. The moment of salvation is simply the entry point to a lifetime of partnership. Always be ready. Learn to hear his voice. Pray for open doors. Then stand ready WHEN the doors open because they will!