Open the door
Do you remember the television show, “Let’s Make a Deal?” I didn’t watch it much, but I recall the commentator (was it Monty Hall?) ask questions of the contestants, “Do you want to choose door number 1, door number 2 or number 3?”
The doors on the show were large and had various items concealed. Naturally, the contestants worried about which one to choose to get the greatest prize. “How do I know which door to pick?”
The audience always had an opinion of which door to select and everyone wondered–“What’s behind the doors?”
We didn’t find out until the doors were opened…
Sometimes it’s scary to open our door when someone knocks, isn’t it? I remember many years ago, I was home alone with my young son and someone knocked on our door in the middle of the night. We lived on a rural road and had no close neighbors. I was terrified and did not open the door. Instead, I called a family member and law enforcement for help.
And then, there are other times when we may be asked to metaphorically “open a door” to a new task or venture, but we are hesitant to do so because we fear we are not ready or able to take this step. We feel unprepared.
We’re afraid to open the door–that we might not be successful at whatever task waits behind it.
Is there a door you are afraid to open? Is a career change in your future? Are you being asked to take on new tasks in your family, community or church? Or, do you need to take a step away from overwhelming responsibilities in order prayerfully consider a new call to serve?
But, sometimes we’re asked to answer a door in faith that it is the right thing to do–for our salvation and to fulfill our calling in service to others and to God.
Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. Revelation” 3:20
Christ our Lord speaks to us through the scripture. He lets us know that He is at the door.
Jesus knocks. We are invited to open the door so that our Lord may enter and we share a meal together.
Isn’t that amazing? We have the opportunity to invite Jesus into our home (our heart) and join in a close, loving relationship with Him.
Unlike, the television show, “Let’s Make a Deal,” we know what is behind the door when Jesus knocks. We don’t need to guess which is the right door to open because there is just one door–and our Lord is on the other side.
All we need to do is open the door to Jesus.
Or sometimes, we might need to knock and our Lord will open the door.
Ask and it will be given to your; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. Matthew 7:7
And, we can only imagine the joy that will be ours when we open the door to Jesus and He answers our call to Him.
There have been many doors in my life I’ve been afraid of opening Ms. Katherine. The latest one was accepting God’s calling to put my private words out there for the world to see. That one still frightens me every time I click the Send button. Thank you for remind me where the strength to take the next step comes from, our Father.
Oh, Jim, I feel your pain! It’s terrifying to push that send button and then worry and wonder whether we’ll even have any readers. Then we are anxious about their reactions to our work. I suppose we’re like the painter that pours his/her soul into a painting and then waits in fear for the audience’s reaction. But, take courage! If we stay on our journey with our Lord, He will guide our work so that we may serve him through our writing. Wishing you continued joy and blessings as you persevere in putting pen to paper (and fingers to the keyboard).
I used to love that silly game show and I was so disappointed when they picked the wrong door! I was one of those viewers that wanted everybody to win! I love your analogy, and now when I think of that old game show, I’ll be reminded that I want everybody to “win” Jesus, and it’s my job to help point those around me to the right door!!
Yes! I love your word picture, Julie! Jesus is the greatest “prize” we could ever hope to receive. And, the most awesome thing is–all we have to do is open our heart to Him and He will be our Lord, Savior and shepherd forever. You describe our mission perfectly–it is our task to help guide people to the “right” door that leads to Jesus.
Katherine, you mentioned opening a door “in faith.” Thank you for reminding us that we can open doors God provides because He is worthy of our faith. I’m sometimes hesitant which indicates I’m trusting myself and not Him. When I trust God, I can joyfully open new doors.
I know what you are feeling, Jeannie, when you hesitate at the door. Sometimes I’m just scared! Stepping out in faith to open a new door in service to Jesus (or His children) can be terrifying. Isn’t it awesome that He gives us the strength and courage to take that next step? I am weak, but He is strong!
I think we definitely all face these types of doors, and the enemy would like nothing more than for us to cower on our side. Growth and fulfillment happen when we breach the unknown!
Sometimes that new step towards growth can be the most terrifying. But, I agree, God blesses us when we answer His call, even when we are scared. We can accomplish so much when He is with us on the journey–sometimes, though, He needs to send in a trial to get my attention when I stray off the path. That’s probably when I learn the most, but I recognize, if I wasn’t so stubborn, I could learn faster!
Katherine, Yep! I remember that show. Thanks for your lesson on doors.
Your post reminded me of a picture my mother had hanging up with Jesus standing at the door and knocking. Mom asked me one day, “Do you notice anything interesting about that door?” I squinted and stared and finally realized there was no doorknob. My mom said the doorknob to our hearts is on the inside and we must open it for Jesus to come in.
Your mom is absolutely right! But, I always wonder why it’s sometimes so difficult to OPEN the door! I remember a terrible trial in my life, more than 20 years ago. I struggled and struggled with a decision fueled by my disobedience to God. It took me so long to open the door to Jesus, but what a beautiful blessing I received when I submitted my will and opened my heart to our Lord.