What role does trust in God play when facing new opportunities for ministry? Setting the Scene • “Now when I went to Troas to preach the gospel of Christ and found that the Lord had opened a door for me,” (2 Corinthians 2:12) • Paul recognizes a fresh ministry opportunity as something God Himself has “opened.” • From the outset, trust in God frames the whole decision: if the Lord opens, Paul steps through. Trust Recognizes God’s Hand • Ministry doors are not accidental; they are divine appointments. • Revelation 3:7-8 reinforces this truth: what Jesus opens no one can shut. • Trust keeps our eyes on the Door-Opener rather than on our own résumé or comfort level. Trust Anchors Our Decisions • Proverbs 3:5-6 spells it out: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart… He will make your paths straight.” • When a new opportunity arises, trusting God keeps us from leaning on mere logic or fear. • Practical outworking: – Pause and acknowledge the Lord’s sovereignty. – Submit your plans, then move forward expecting Him to direct each step. Faith Over Feelings • Verse 13 (immediately after our text) shows Paul restless because Titus wasn’t there, yet he still obeyed. • Trust means we follow God’s opening even when emotions are unsettled. • 2 Corinthians 5:7: “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” Counting on God’s Provision • Philippians 4:19: “My God will supply all your needs…” • 1 Thessalonians 5:24: “The One who calls you is faithful, and He will do it.” • New doors often expose new needs; trust lets us move forward knowing provision is already promised. Trust Produces Boldness • Acts 14:27: Paul and Barnabas report “all that God had done through them and how He had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles.” • Ephesians 3:12: “In Him and through faith in Him we may enter God’s presence with boldness and confidence.” • Trust turns apprehensive servants into courageous witnesses. Recognizing When to Move On • Sometimes the right response is to relocate. Paul left Troas for Macedonia (v. 13). • Trust discerns both the time to stay and the time to leave, resting in God’s continuing guidance (Acts 16:6-10). Practical Ways to Lean into Trust When Opportunity Knocks • Reflect on past “open doors” and how God proved faithful. • Saturate your heart with Scripture promises before making logistical plans. • Seek counsel from mature believers who also honor God’s Word. • Step forward incrementally; let God confirm each stage. • Celebrate small victories as evidence of His ongoing provision and direction. |
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