THE OPEN DOOR

MEMORY VERSE: For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries (1 Corinthians 16:9).

One Sunday morning in 1856, a congregation of well-dressed people had been ushered to their rented pews in Chicago's Plymouth Congregational Church. Suddenly there was a commotion near the door. Many turned and looked. Something occurred which had never before been seen by that elite congregation. In walked a young man--a 19-year-old salesman. Following him was a poorly dressed group of people that he had gathered off the streets. The young man let them into four pews he had personally rented for the visitors. He continued to do this important work each Sunday until God called him into a world-wide ministry. His name was Dwight L. Moody.

God opens doors of service to those who are willing to serve. But there are always obstacles to overcome in the service of Christ.

Phillips Brooks said: "Oh, do not pray for easy lives. Pray to be strong men and women. Do not pray for tasks equal to your powers. Pray for powers equal to your tasks. Then the doing of your work will be no miracle; but you shall be a miracle. Every day you will wonder at yourself, at the richness of life which has come to you by the grace of God."

Has God opened a door of service for you?

What is holding you back?

Are there adversaries...problems...obstacles?

They are to be expected, but God is able.

The opportunity is brief -- do not delay.

The prize is glorious -- do not faint.

Walk through that open door.