The Open Door


By Marcia K. Leaser

February 12, 2006

 

 

 

Revelation 3:8 I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it; for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.

 

  

The Open Door

 

            Sitting at my kitchen table early one spring morning I watched a little robin fly to the usually open window of our shed and attempt to enter.  She flew at the glass with wings flailing time and time again.  She was very persistent and after twenty minutes of seeing her try and fail, I

decided to open the window for her.  Knowing she was after the straw we kept in the tiny building, I felt good being able to help her build her nest.

            I returned to my observation point, anxiously waiting for my fragile little friend to discover the open window. 

Fifteen minutes later, she lit in a nearby tree sitting motionless for what seemed like forever.  Why didn't she fly down and find out the window was now open?  I’d watched her attempt admittance at least twelve times previously.  Why now the sudden caution? 

Realizing, that evidently, she’d watched me go into the shed made me understand more fully her fear.  I loved birds and wouldn't hurt her for the world, but she and I were strangers and she had no way of knowing I could be trusted.

            Finally she glided effortlessly to the ground and hopped about nonchalantly pecking at the grasses as if that window was the farthest thing from her mind.  Tiptoeing past it several times, she would half-glance toward it, then fly low to the ground several feet ignoring the window each time

she passed.

            One half hour after I’d opened the window, she hopped up onto the sill and went inside.  I couldn't help feeling sad, wishing she’d have cast her fears aside and trusted me sooner.

            I thought of how many doors have been opened to me throughout my lifetime:  the door to faith, the door to love, and most importantly, the door to salvation.  I, like the robin was very skeptical pretending not to notice the wide passage available to me.  I hung back too, because of

fear, mistrust and pain from past experiences.

 I couldn't quite believe anyone was kind enough to care about me.  But Jesus loved me enough to offer eternal life.

            We were strangers, Lord, and I thought I couldn't trust You.  But, oh, if I’d only known You better, I'd have bolted through that open door long, long ago and saved us both a lot of heartache.

 

 

Prayer

 

“Oh Father, how many times have I not trusted You?  Please forgive me, and keep my heart ready and willing to accept Your promises.”

 

 

Thought for the day

 

May we not be afraid to walk trough the open door You set before us, no matter what the world has done to make us fearful.



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