Just Open the Door

Last winter, my daughter and I chuckled as she shared a video of her husband’s epic slip down the icy steps captured on their doorbell camera. Many appreciate the security and occasional amusement this technology brings, capturing videos of unwelcome visitors and wildlife. The Bible also records a few front door episodes, except in one scene, the antics were on the inside of the house, not the outside.

Peter, miraculously freed from prison, picks his way through the dark streets to the home of his praying friends. The believers were so focused on petitions for Peter, that they could hardly hear his knocking. A young girl, Rhoda, scurries to the door and is completely undone. How can it be that the prisoner they are praying for is at that very moment, standing on the doorstep, pleading to be let in? She is so overcome by emotion, she fails to unlatch the gate for Peter and instead bolts to interrupt the prayer meeting with the astonishing news.

We can all be prone to Rhoda-esque reactions when the Lord knocks on the door of our hearts.
We may recognize God’s voice entreating us to a deeper trust. We may hear God imploring us into intimacy with him. We may sense God summoning us to open a door of opportunity to service or ministry. Yet, as with Rhoda, our first inclination is not to respond to God’s knock, but to dash off to enlist others to do it for us.

Acts 12:16 reveals that when the gate was finally opened, Peter stepped inside and the entire prayer circle was blown away. God had heard and answered their prayerful cries even before they finished saying, “Amen”.

Perhaps both you and your circle of influence will be equally amazed as you answer God’s call. God has wonderful blessings in store for you, greater than you could expect. Just open the door.

Heavenly Father, please give me the courage to respond to your voice and open the door to the next phase of my walk with you. Help me to be attuned to your knocking and obedient to your calling.

Throughout the Day: There are several emotions that play roles in this biblical story and in our lives as well. Is fear stealing the lead role in your life? By trading fear for faith, you too might be overcome by shock and awe at what God can do in and through you once you open the door and invite him in.