An Open Door

I Corinthians 16:9

For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.

During this recession people are looking for opportunities for employment. They are looking for an open door where they can go in and acquire employment, make a sale, or secure provision for their families. God is able to open a door that no man can open and shut...doors that no man can shut. Even in a recession God has open doors. Adversity is the mother of innovation and with so many needs with the economy and the need for more efficient energy alternatives, there are many doors that are about to open. But with the opening of the doors there will also be many adversaries.
Everybody is not going to want you to advance, you have to figure out a way to get through the door even when others are standing in the way. The Apostle Paul said he would winter in Ephesus, but his desire was to go to Macedonia. We all have a Macedonia that we want to go to but we have to “winter” in Ephesus. Paul didn’t get down because he had to “winter” in Ephesus, but he said there is “a great and effective door that has opened.” While Paul was in Ephesus he was in jail and wrote one of his most powerful letters to the church in Ephesus. This was Paul’s Open Door! Often when it looks like you are trapped it’s an open door. Clifford Harris aka T.I. must spend 366 days in Jail for gun charges, but it can be an open door for his Road to Redemption if he takes advantage of his “Winter” time. How do you take advantage of your open door when there are many adversaries or much adversity?

1. Focus on the opportunity, not the crisis. We already know it's winter. It’s obvious, but what opportunities do you have where you are in this season? They may seem small, but focus on what you can accomplish during this time.

2. Do what you do to the best of your ability. Like Ray Charles said, “We gonna make it do what it do.” Can’t nobody do it like you do it. When you get through the door you just make sure you give them the best that you got!

3. Go around your adversaries. When you know that you are suppose to be in there, don’t let anybody stop you. Don’t take no for an answer especially from people you know that are just trying to block you.

4. When you can no longer tell who your friends are from your enemies, it’s time to leave. Stay close to your friends and keep your adversaries in your periphery. This is a time to be very discerning and re-evaluate your relationships.

5. Be prepared for the door to open so you can be successful when you get in. Have your resume ready. Work on your degree while the door is still shut. Keep your suit clean. Write your book, script, demo right now and have a copy when the door is open. Give them a sample when the door opens ups.

6. Get to the door first. If you got to spend the night by the door be there first.

7. Walk ...don’t run to the nearest exit. When God provides an open door make sure you don’t hurt yourself trying to get in or get out. Be deliberate about open doors. If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.

Dear God, thank you for the open doors you’ve given me in my life. There are more with me than there are against me. Give me the strength to get past my adversaries and the gifts to be productive once I get in. Thank you that my gifts will make room for me and bring me in the presence of great men. I’m in!

In Jesus Name.

Amen.