Ask God to open Doors
“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, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. – Colossians 4:2-6 (NIV)
Am I too quick to judge the ones ‘outside the circle’? Do I think that some of the people I interact with outside church are lost? There truly is much in the world that we could judge and take offense. But are we right to do so?
I don’t think so. I truly believe that we need to pray for the people that do not know Christ yet and be inspired by the words of the apostle Paul. Not only is Paul asking the church of Colossae for prayers to open doors to share the Gospel message, but previously in Ephesians he writes this:
“Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.” Ephesians 6:19-20 (NIV)
I have to admit, I am not one to speak out boldly about the message of the cross, but I think that I need to pray the same prayer Paul asked of the churches in his days. I want to share the Gospel message with those I work with, but not in an offense way. If I say that I love Christ, I need to be willing to step out of my comfort zone.
Will you stand with me to share the Gospel message? Are willing to pray for the ones that are ‘outsiders’? Let us boldly come before the throne of grace to ask God to open doors to share the message of saving grace.
Lord of mercy and grace. Today, we are asking You to open doors for us and give us the boldness to clearly proclaim the message of the cross.. May all our conversations about You be always full of grace, seasoned with a pinch of salt if needed. We are trusting You and Your gift of the Holy Spirit to make You knows among those who not know You. In the precious name of Jesus – Amen.
