1Cor 16:8-9 But I will stay in Ephesus until Pentecost, for a wide door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many adversaries”
As Paul concluded his letter to Corinthians , he shed light about his upcoming plans. He was to stay in Ephesus until Pentecost, and then go to Jerusalem later .He gave two reasons for his stay in Ephesus . On one hand, a great door for effective work had been opened to him . It’s from here where handkerchiefs and aprons from him were taken to the sick and illness left, sorcery paraphernalia were publicly burned and the name of the Lord was held in honor.
On the other hand there were many who opposed him including Demetrius the silver smith whose “god” making business was greatly affected. He planned an uproar in the city with an intention of harming Paul and his companions. It was also in Ephesus that he fought the wild beast.
Paul’s model here is a good one for us.Do not be discouraged if you face opposition from within and without. Count it as a blessing and a sign of a flung opened door and a sign that God is indeed at work in you
Adversaries don’t mean closed doors .Look for that great door in them for effective work that God has opened to you and march through them. if you meet the devil on your way , just know you are not heading in the same direction!
Further readings :
Joh 16:33
1 cor 15:32
Jas 1:12
🙏Blessed day🙏