“I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.” John 10:9

The Open Door

Door: A usually swinging or sliding barrier by which entry is closed and opened (Merriam-Webster dictionary).

Decisions set the course of our lives. We make hundreds of decisions a day. What to have for lunch? Is this the one I will marry? Where will I live? Should I go to college or a trade school or just get a job? Do I want pepperoni or sausage on my pizza? Do these pants make my butt look big? What color should I paint the bedroom? Do I believe in God? How we decide this onslaught of questions determines who we are becoming.

In the course of life I have experienced deep disappointment, even the cold, sharp blade of betrayal. I have been wounded by the actions and decisions of others. Having already made the most important decision of life, which is what I believe about God, I then had to decide how I would respond to the treachery of the offenders.

I could shut them out and have nothing more to do with them. Isn’t that what they deserved? I could retaliate and take my revenge out on their guilty hides. I could condemn them and shame them. There are a lot of cruel weapons in my arsenal. I could “build a wall.” I could erect a barrier that would leave them out in the cold, and me safe and secure within. I could shut the door–and lock it!

OR… I could trust God to do what I could not do. I could unlock the door and leave it ajar. I could put out the welcome mat. I would not pursue them on the crooked road they were traveling, but they would always know the door was open and the light was on. They would not be shut out. Jesus did not shut me out.

It’s up to us whether we will open or shut the door. We can choose to dismiss them from our lives or we can choose to keep believing in the goodness of God. The thief on the cross found the open door. The prodigal found the open door. Peter, despite his denials, found that door still ajar. It was open for me and because of the light and life I found within, I will ever strive to leave my heart’s door open, light the lamps within, and put the coffee on!

“Father, I am so grateful for the welcome I found when, in guilt and dishonor, I made my way to Your door. Grace and forgiveness embraced me and bid me come in, sit, learn, eat and grow. I will dwell in this place of welcome and acceptance. I will breathe in Your Spirit of forgiveness that speaks life to me. Blessed is Your name. Amen.”

Photo Courtesy of http://Image by ZIPNON on Pixabay