“And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should” (Colossians 4:3-4).

We have a message that has the power to change the world. The problem is that many are not open to receiving the message. Paul knew that. Sometimes his preaching caused a riot and often it was met with outright unbelief. It is important that the good news about Jesus is planted in receptive hearts.

Paul recognized that prayer was an important part of individuals grasping the truth about Jesus. Open doors mean that the good news will be received and lives will be changed. The gospel has affected our world dramatically. It was proclaimed in the midst of a pagan culture and has prevailed because God opened the doors of faith to many who heard it.

Paul also knew that for it to produce fruit it was important that it be understood. God opens the doors for the message; it’s important that we proclaim it in a way that people can grasp it. We are to present it as purely and as accurately as possible. May we pray for open doors so people can receive it and may we present Jesus as He really is. That way others can find what we know to be true. Jesus loves them and He is the Savior of the world who died for their sins.