How long has it been since a door of opportunity has been opened for you? Perhaps someone closed a door on your dream? What closed door are you standing in front of?
I encourage you: Keep Knocking! Eventually, it shall be opened up. Recite this promise over and over: "A great and effective door (work) has opened for me." 1 Corinthians 16: 9
Whatever your door is that needs opened, keep asking (knocking).
This scripture was written by the Apostle Paul toward the end of his ministry in Ephesus. He had been waiting for a door of work to be opened in that city, and it did. The effectual work in Ephesus was that he had wanted to expand the horizons of his readers, so that they might understand better the dimensions of God's eternal purpose that God has for His church. He wrote and ministered to them to let them know that Christian existence is not merely on an earthly plane. It receives its meaning and significance from heaven, where Jesus is exalted at the right hand of God.
Paul emphasizes the Lord gave gifts to the members of the church to enable them to minister to one another, to promote unity, purpose and maturity.
Here's how Paul urges them to live a life worthy of the calling we have received:
"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love." (Ephesians 4: 2)
- Realize we are not going to see eye to eye with every believer. Focus on what is right, not on what's wrong.
"Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of Peace." (Ephesians 4: 3)
- There are some things we may have to let go and let God. Let peace be your guiding factor.
"There is one body and one Spirit." (Ephesians 4: 4)
- Keep pursuing oneness in all situations. We are called to one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism and one God. Always be an "as one" Christian.
What's' the reason for this: "To each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it." This is why it says, "When He ascended on high, He led captives in His train and gave gifts to men." (Ephesians 4: 8-10)
One day all of heaven will be brought down to earth, literally. We don't have to wait to access heaven. God has always intended "To bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ." (Ephesians 1: 10)
If that seems like not a reality to you, then we are missing Paul's point of 'being made alive in Christ.' If your Christianity is boring you, then we are not thinking like heaven thinks. "For through Him we have both access to the Father, by ONE Spirit." (Ephesians 2: 18)
Learn to access Him! In Him, we have been given power. God's intention was that "His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known." (Ephesians 3: 10)
Make Him known in our speech and our actions. His gifts release Him. It's not us it's Him!
"Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth, as it is in heaven." It's God's will for us to bring heaven to earth! His will is that earth be exposed to this Kingdom living. The earth is awaiting Heaven's release, so is He. It's done through our asking and accessing.
Be bold and confident! "It is in Christ Jesus, our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in Him." (Ephesians 3: 11-13)
