TOPIC: TAKING OPPORTUNITIES THROUGH PRAYER
Bible Reading: Numbers 1-2; Mark 3:1-21
“For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries” – 1 Corinthians 16:9 (KJV)
Just because you want to do something ‘good’ for people doesn’t mean it will be void of opposition because it takes more than good intentions to get a kingdom agenda fulfilled here on earth in the lives of people.
Acts 19:23-41 is the account of how Paul encountered great opposition in the city of Ephesus because of the Gospel. The man Demetrius under the influence of the devil stirred a riot against Apostle Paul who came to share the gospel with them.
You need to realize that you can’t help people without power. It doesn’t matter if you’re a pastor, missionary, businessman/woman, or a charity organization. As long as there is a kingdom agenda in what you’re doing, you need power because the devil will raise and influence men and women who will be opposed to what God has asked you to do.
Our text says that there is a great and effective door opened and there are many adversaries. Those adversaries are oppositions of the enemy, but the good news is that God has given us authority over the adversaries, and we must wield this authority in the place of prayer! James 5:16 says, “…The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” Your prayer releases ‘tremendous’ power that crumbles every opposition that might try to stop you.
To depend on your strength and ability will leave you frustrated and discouraged but Isaiah 40:31 says, “…But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” To wait upon the Lord means to tary in the place of prayer that you become ‘yoked’ together with God. Your strength is renewed, and you begin to soar on eagle’s wings over the oppositions.
When you pray consistently and persistently, oppositions are broken and crumbled, and you begin to mount on eagle’s wings. You find yourself carried on the wings of God’s Spirit over the regimented policies and attacks of the devil. Daniel was a public servant of the king in a foreign land, and he was so powerful and successful despite all the efforts of the devil because one of his secrets was that he had a consistent life of prayer (Daniel 6:10).
Don’t trivialize your time of prayer because that is where the power for your assignment is released. Don’t allow fear of your adversaries stop you from seizing your opportunities because it is your time to soar in Jesus name.
Prayer: Thank You Father for the privilege and opportunity of open doors through prayers in Jesus Name.
Pastor Alfred Samuel