1 Corinthians 16:7–9: For I do not wish to see you now on the way; but I hope to stay a while with you, if the Lord permits. But I will tarry in Ephesus until Pentecost. For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.
Paul is saying here that he does plan to go to Corinth, but only if the Lord permits it. Shouldn’t we have plans? By all means we should make plans, but those plans always should be amenable to the will of God. We should be willing to change them. We should be willing to shuffle things around. When Paul went out, he did not have a rigid schedule for his missionary journeys. He went as the Lord led him. We see in the Book of Acts how the Lord just practically detoured him on the second missionary journey. Paul was going down into Asia; the Spirit of God sent him over to Europe. He didn’t know he was going to Europe—he didn’t have a visa for Europe—but in that day he didn’t need a visa. He went where the Holy Spirit led him. And Paul says, “A great door and effectual is opened unto me.” These two verses I have found to be true in the ministry God has given to me. Also it is true today that there are many adversaries. Any man who will stand for the Word of God has many enemies. That was the experience of Paul, and it has been my experience also. However, the Lord opens the door and no man can shut it. Thank God for that! So we see Paul, gloriously happy, rejoicing in the will of God. If the Lord wants him to go to Corinth, he will go. 1
Application
- Read Revelation 3:7-8. What open door has God opened for you recently? What door has He closed?
Thought to Share
The One who opens is also the One who closes. – TWEET IT
Prayer
Lord, thank You for teaching me about Your way, Your will, and Your timing.
1. McGee, J. V. (1991). Thru the Bible commentary: The Epistles (1 Corinthians) (electronic ed., Vol. 44). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
