Passage Read: 2 Corinthians 2-3
Meditation Verses: 2:12-13
Thought
Paul had once come to Troas seeking to preach the Gospel, but instead of an open door for him to preach, he had a dream of a Macedonian man pleading with him to come to them, so he left Troas and went to Philippi. The result was that he eventually made it to Corinth and began the church there. Whether Paul is referencing that incident here or not is unclear. If this is a second time he arrived in Troas, at that time he had an open door for ministry. But because he didn't find Titus, he had no peace and again went on to Macedonia. In the previous case, the Lord had closed the door to several other places, eventually leading him to Macedonia. This time there was an open door, but Paul walked away from it. What exactly caused the unrest in his soul in regard to Titus is unclear, whether concern for Titus himself or unwillingness to preach without him or some other reason. What seems significant to me is that Paul walked away from an open door to preach out of an internal unrest, giving up what appeared to be a Spirit-opened door. Walking away from this opportunity for ministry did not damage his relationship with and continued service to God.
Application
This reminds me that "the sprits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets." The Lord may open a door to serve, but there may be some reason I might need to pass it by. My life and ministry are not all directed in minute detail, leaving me completely without autonomy. While it is foolish to attempt to push against a door He has closed, there can be just cause to walk away from a door that He has opened. To do so out of laziness or selfishness will probably not go over well when I have to give account to the Lord. But if there is legitimate, godly cause, the Lord will likely honor that. I have much freedom in choosing the path of my service. Many doors may be closed and there's no sense in fighting that. But I may also be faced with multiple open doors, and I don't need to fear if I choose one over the other. If it is an open door to serve or a right reason to walk away, the Lord will still bless every effort to proclaim and glorify His name.