Did you ever wonder how the doors opened for Paul to preach the gospel? Do you remember the nighttime vision he had of a man from Macedonia? Paul had already tried to go north into Bithynia and south into Asia, but the Holy Spirit forbid him to go. It was only by arriving at Troas that he received this powerful direction of the Holy Spirit. Was this a sovereign move of the Holy Spirit? We know that Paul prayed for direction in his own ministry. He was a man of prayer and made frequent mention of both praying in tongues and praying in his own language.

Paul exhorted believers in Colossians4:3 “Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance.” Paul wanted the Colossian saints to understand the impact of their prayers. He wanted them to understand the impact of their prayers. He wanted them to understand that as a result of their praying, doors of utterance were being opened to the nations. The doors into Macedonia had to have been the result of the prayers of the saints from the churches that Paul had founded. These saints were so grateful for the gospel that had transformed their lives, that they willingly prayed that Paul would have more doors of opportunity opened to him so that many others would find Jesus as Lord and Savior. God has never allowed a minister to stand on his own!

Elijah complained to the Lord that he alone was left to preach and declare the holiness of God. God quickly set him straight by informing Elijah that there were 7,000 who had not bowed their knee to all. I like to think of it this way: there were 7,000 who had not bowed their knee to Baal, but who did bow their knee to the true and living Lord! They were praying daily for ministers like Elijah to be raised up. The man who complained the loudest was being prayed for by those he claimed did not exist!

There are many ministers today who feel as if they are on their own. They feel like no one cares. But nothing could be further from the truth. If their eyes were opened to the spirit world, they would see thousands who pray daily. Until we all arrive in Heaven we will not comprehend the extent of Christian prayer that goes forth each day.

Bob Yandian

Copyright 2009 by Bob Yandian Ministries.
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