That God May Open a Door for the Word

Several of the Friends of Nate group helped out at the Aurora Interfaith Food Pantry this evening, braving the crazy rainy/snowy weather. We enjoyed getting to know some of the other volunteers that serve at the food pantry regularly. We helped stock shelves and boxes and watched as single people, elderly couples, and families came through to pick up various food items. It was encouraging to see that there was no shame for people as they accepted the free food. People smiled, engaged in conversation, and seemed genuinely happy to be there. We wondered what each person was going through that brought them to the point of needing the food pantry and if they knew the Lord.

Colossians 4:2–4 says, “Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison—that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.”

Our hope is that God will open up ways for us to tell others about Jesus as we serve him in various ways. We are called to be steadfast in prayer; to be watchful in it. Later in Colossians 4 we are told by Paul to “Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time.” In other words, we are to approach others, to initiate conversations. This is the part we play as we look to God to be in our conversations and provide opportunities to tell others about the mystery of Christ.

Prayer should precede our actions, should be happening while we serve, and should follow our service. We need to be aware that Jesus is there with us through the Holy Spirit. We are not acting alone if we are in Christ. What an amazing thought! The same Savior that Nate sees face to face is with us each day in everything that we do, and in each of our conversations.