Many Adversaries
Paul acknowledged a great and effective door and the presence of many adversaries, all at the same time.
Often when great and effective doors open you will find adversaries; sometimes many adversaries. The absence of adversaries is not a sign of favour and opportunity.
The Lord will open great and effective doors in the midst of your adversaries.
And adversaries will come out of the woodwork when they see a great and effective door opened by the Lord as the spirit realm moves against the move of God.
Christians are not guaranteed a “smooth” journey.
Jesus told us very clearly,
“In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
When we recognize the great and effective door, we should come to expect the many adversaries; and we must not allow that to discourage us and cause us to turn back or move on.
Rather, as Paul, we must learn to “tarry in Ephesus.”