Doors, Doors, Doors Open a plenty.

Oh that we would allow the Lord to open our eyes to see them around us. As I write this I am also actively engaged in a text conversation with an unsaved person who has a parent that is a preacher. It all started with friendly conversation where I was given opportunity to demonstrate that I genuinely cared. The particular individual tends to be reticent and introverted, but God has allowed this person to develop a trust with me. As a result we are able to grow as friends and I am also able to demonstrate the Love of God.

A couple examples from this last week and a half.

At the start of the school year I felt the Lord wanted me to start a leadership training with a couple of young men at my school. So, I went to each one individually and invited them to have lunch with me each Thursday. The Lord has given me 3 young men to work with and teach biblical principles! The door was opened because I followed God's leading to go knock on the doors.

I was able to open a gym to play basketball. I sent out texts to several former students as well as some unsaved friends. During the course of the night I was able to have several conversations with many different people. Each time I was able to remind them of past truth I have taught or lived before them, or encourage them to consider the things of God. One of them actually called me and asked me to pray for them!

A close friend of mine is having difficulty with a past relationship. I was able to talk with him and assure him that I would be praying for God to fix the situation.

My daughter woke up the other day and told me that she had a dream about a former student of mine. I plan to use that as my opening when I speak to this young man. I don't have his phone number but I plan to chase it down.

Some Keys to Seeing an Open Door:

• Listen to what people are saying. Jesus is the master problem solver. If there is someone who has problems don't be afraid to talk to them about it.
• Engage in conversation & listen to what they are saying. What they say will show where they are.
• Act upon what the Lord impresses you with. A spontaneous thought about someone is all you need. It is truly simple to open a conversation by saying, "I was thinking of you. How are things going?" I'm a little more bold and usually use, "The Lord put you on my heart and I want to pray for you. How would you like me to pray?"
• Don't be afraid to knock, even if it is the "wrong" door. You won't go to hell trying to share the love of God with someone. In fact, you may see doors open that you didn't even know where a possibility. 

Open Doors

Doors are what people have around their hearts. They are a defense mechanism that is required to keep one's self from being hurt. Saved and unsaved people have them just the same.

 

When it comes to sharing the gospel we can't stand outside and shout. It does not work, in fact it causes alarm to whoever is on the other side. How would you feel if someone showed up to your house adn started shouting things through the door? How much worse would it be if you were alone inside? Or if it was dark and stormy outside?

To be effective at sharing the gospel we would do well to learn how to get others to "open the door." Ultimately  it is God who opens the door and we are to seek His counsel on the matter, but there are things He teaches us in this area. Here are a few things I have learned from the Lord.

Don't be afraid to share your heart. Open doors beget open doors. When you are willing to show your vulnerability it has an affect that causes others to do the same.

Just be friendly. So many doors are opened because you act in such a way that people are compelled to be around you. Remember, Jesus was a nice person who was motivated on helping others without seeking His own benfit.

Use prayer as the tool it was intended to be. Prayer changes things, even in the lives of the unsaved. When talking with people they will eventually share a concern or problem. Use that as a means to gain entrance. Let them know you will be praying about the situation.

Leave the door open! If I ever tell someone I am going to pray for them or their situationI always ask, "Would it be ok if I check back with you ......" I can't recall a single time a person has said no. This allows me access in the future.

Every person is complicated and not all doors are open within them. There is usually an "outer" door opened in casual conversation. As they get to know you, that is trust you, more doors will be opened. The length of time this takes depends of what God is diong. It can take a couple of mins or several years. Only God knows when a soul is ready and it is our job to be in unity with his knowledge.

Another way to get a door open is to find some common ground. When people talk they will eventually share about themselves, their life, their likes/dislikes, frustrattions, etc.... They key is to listen to what they are saying and find something you both can agree about or a common experience. For example.
     As a kid I was very angry and would easily get into fights. I recall a time when I saw one kid being harrassed by three kids. The injustice kindled my anger and eventually led me to beat up the biggest of the 3 bullies. Since that time I have learned how God will be my defense and I need not take matters into my own hands. So, now when I talk with people who are upset about some injustice I can relate to how they feel inside. I know those feelings intimately and often describe them to the other person.
    At some point in the conversation I share with them a better solution, in Jesus.

We could go on and on, but I want to hear your thoughts, replies, questions, or experiences.