But I will stay in Ephesus until Pentecost, for a wide door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.
1 Corinthians 16:8-9 (ESV)
Lord Jesus, as I move into the weekend, I pray that You would continue to open up wide doors for effective ministry for me. Even as You led Paul from stop-to-stop on his missionary journeys, I pray that You would do the same for me, using me in the lives of those whom You send my way.
As I reflect upon the week that I have had, the individuals You intentionally brought into my life to remind me of Your loving hand on me (unbeknownst to many of them), I am reminded that You never sleep, are always at work orchestrating the lives and events of this world, looking to glorify the Father in all things. You send one this direction and another that direction. You compel one to do this and another to do that. And all of it working not only for my good but more importantly, for the advancement of Your Kingdom! Glory be to Your Name for the great things that You have done and are doing in our midst!
It is my life’s aim and deepest desire to be used by You in all things and all ways. Show me how my personal agendas get in the way of Your master plan. Prepare me for the adversity that awaits me and all who look to serve You. By Your Spirit, help me to control my actions and my tongue, demonstrating Your love in a tangible way while speaking words of love to all who come across my path, especially those who come up against me. I want folks to see me and see You instead! Open the door, Lord, and I will walk through it! Amen!