Take A Chance

I delivered this message at the Trajexion Conference in Zanesville. 

My keynote message begins with this scripture.  “Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.” Colossians 4:2-4 (NKJV) 

Notice carefully Paul’s request.  “Praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ.”  All I’m asking for is a chance.  That was Paul’s plea. 

Many of you don’t remember the 1988 World Series with the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Oakland A’s, although you have probably seen highlights of one of the most memorable games in the history of the World Series.  Game one featured a showdown between the A’s ace pitcher Dennis Eckersley and a wizened old veteran, the LA Dodgers’ Kirk Gibson.   

“Unknown to the fans and the media at the time, Gibson was watching the game on television while undergoing physical therapy in the Dodgers’ clubhouse.^[6] At some point during the game, television cameras scanned the Dodgers dugout and commentator Vin Scully, working for NBC for the 1988 postseason, observed that Gibson was “nowhere to be found”.^[6] This spurred Gibson to tell Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda that he was available to pinch hit.^[6] Gibson immediately returned to the batting cage in the clubhouse to take practice swings.”  In so many words, Gibson told his manager, “All I want is a chance!” 

The two men battled to a full count.  Runner Mike Davis stole second base.  The crowd was on its feet.  Gibson figured that the next pitch would be a backdoor slider.  He was right.  Hurting and pushing himself, he swung almost entirely with upper body strength.  The ball carried just high enough to make it over the right field fence.  Gibson limped around the bases, pumping his fist, to the cheers of a delirious crowd. 

This historic scene never would have happened had Gibson stayed in therapy, shook his head and said, “I don’t feel like I’m up to it.”  Instead, all he asked for was a chance. 

I may be speaking to the faint of heart today, or the minister bogged down in busyness, or the pastor worried about resource allocation, or the timid soul confused about protocol, or the pessimistic wannabe soulwinner who only sees obstacles.  Paul just says, “pray for a door to be opened!”  I just want a chance to see what God can do. 

The problem with too many of us is that we want a guarantee of success before we ever get to the open door.  We want to see the mature crop in the field before we even put the plow in the ground.  Some even rationalize that the cost of investment is greater than the return on the investment.  We go window-shopping in the book of Acts but walk away with our head down because we don’t think we can afford the goods.  Another sports hero Wayne Gretzky said, “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take!”  

One of the open doors is found in Acts 13:14-16 (NKJV) “But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day and sat down. And after the reading of the Law and the Prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent to them, saying, “Men and brethren, if you have any word of exhortation for the people, say on.” Then Paul stood up, and motioning with his hand said, “Men of Israel, and you who fear God, listen.” 

God opened the door and Paul boldly walked through it.  The ruler of the synagogue no doubt didn’t know what was about to happen.  Had he known, he would not have allowed it.  I believe God was opening the door through the enemy of the Gospel.  

What were the results?  Acts 13:42-49 (NKJV) “So when the Jews went out of the synagogue, the Gentiles begged that these words might be preached to them the next Sabbath. Now when the congregation had broken up, many of the Jews and devout proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas, who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God. On the next Sabbath almost the whole city came together to hear the word of God. But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy; and contradicting and blaspheming, they opposed the things spoken by Paul. Then Paul and Barnabas grew bold and said, “It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken to you first; but since you reject it, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles. For so the Lord has commanded us: ‘I have set you as a light to the Gentiles, That you should be for salvation to the ends of the earth.’ ” Now when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and glorified the word of the Lord. And as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed. And the word of the Lord was being spread throughout all the region.”   

Paul walked through the door with confidence, but he had no way of predicting the outcome.  All he asked for was for God to open the door.  I have two thoughts I want you to consider as you enter into this conference. 

1.  Just be willing to take a chance. Make up your mind at the outset to do this.  An open door is all you’re going to get before you start.  Walk through the door.  Yes, you should prepare; you should anticipate as many of the challenges as you can; you should count the cost.  But nothing should stop you from taking the chance.  

What if you fail?  That questions keeps many church planters from getting out of the on-deck circle.  It’s not even a legitimate question because you can’t force supernatural things to happen with natural means.  Do what you know to do and leave the results up to God.  Preach faith, pray, follow through, persevere, leave no stone unturned.  Your job is to go; God’s job is to bless.  He’s really good at His job if you will just do yours! 

2.  Remember who is on the other side of the door.  This is not an exercise in futility.  It’s not a gut-check or a faith test.  It’s not even about you.  It’s about them!  It’s about the sinner, the addict, the alcoholic, the man thinking about suicide, the down-and-out, the single mom trying to make ends meet, the confused student, the woman battling cancer.  They can’t open the door from their side.  They’re waiting for you to answer the call.  

“But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.” Jude 1:20-23 (KJV) 

We want you to succeed.  We want you to see revival and the salvation of souls.  That’s the biggest reason why we have this Trajexion Conference.  But it all starts with a faith venture on your part.  I believe there is an open door in front of every one of us.  Jesus wants to use you to build His church!