But I will stay on at Ephesus until Pentecost, because a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me.
1 Corinthians 16:8-9 NIV
What strikes me most is Paul’s willingness to remain at Ephesus despite the challenges. He recognised the opposition, yet he did not let it overshadow the opportunity God had provided. The open door for effective work was enough reason for him to stay.
This principle is profoundly relevant today. We often hesitate to pursue new opportunities because of potential resistance, fear, or uncertainty. Yet, every open door is a divine invitation—a chance to serve, to grow, and to impact lives according to God’s plan. Even when the opening seems small or the results uncertain, its presence confirms that God is at work.
Paul’s focus reminds us that opposition does not cancel opportunity. When God opens a door, the potential for His work is limitless. Challenges may surround us, but they cannot nullify God’s promises or the impact of the work He has prepared. Our role is not to wait for a perfect, obstacle-free path. Instead, we must move forward with boldness, trusting God to equip us.
Every open door is reason to press on, to hold fast, and to persevere. It signals that God invites us to a season of influence and fruitfulness. The enemy may try to discourage or distract us, but the open door assures us that God’s purpose will prevail.
Let us adopt Paul’s perspective: to see opportunities as divine openings that require courage, faith, and persistence. Opposition may be real, but it is never stronger than the God who calls us and the promises He has placed before us.
Living It Out
Reflect on the doors God has opened in your life. Are you hesitant because of opposition, fear, or uncertainty? Pray for courage and discernment, and take deliberate steps through the opportunities God provides. Trust Him to equip you and fulfil His purpose through your obedience.