PATHWAY TO HIS PRESENCE
B.J. FUNK
I love the way our mighty God makes Himself available to us. He is holy and powerful yet He comes to our side as our dear friend to whisper His comfort, peace and guidance. This next line is one of my favorites.
“God can open doors that no man can close, and close doors that no man can open.”
I love this thought. It leaves nothing out, nothing to chance. It is clear and concise and looks to God as being completely in charge. If God wants a door to close in your life, He can easily close it. He can also easily open a door for you, just by a light push. It is amazing what happens when we completely turn our will over to God’s will. In fact, I don’t want to walk through any door of opportunity, a door of a new career, or a door of moving to a new town unless God brings that door to me, and then effortlessly opens it. If He should close it, I will know that I’m not to enter that certain path at this time.
We must not shy away from asking God what is His highest and best for us. That covers jobs, family situations, work related situations, and every other situation you can think of. Knowing that He loves us in a deep and committed way, we can be sure that He cares about everything we care about. Are you facing a huge decision right now? Invite the Lord into your thinking and planning process by asking Him to show you what is His highest and best for you.
In l927, a woman named Henrietta Mears had a critical decision to make. Should she continue as a school teacher or consider full-time Christian ministry? During a sabbatical from teaching Henrietta spent time in California where she was offered the position of Director of Christian Education in a church. She had a lunch appointment with the pastor and as they approached the restaurant the door opened silently for them to enter. It was the first time Henrietta had seen a door controlled by an electric eye. As she and the pastor talked, she began to feel that a door for Christian service was also automatically opening for her. She took the job.
Within two years’ time, Henrietta’s Sunday school program of 400 had multiplied to thousands. She began writing Sunday school lessons and later formed a publishing company, Gospel Light Press.
Henrietta Mears took a chance with this prayer: “Show me the highest and best for my life.” She submitted to the plea, “Open the door that no man can close and close the door that no man can open.” God listened, He opened a door, and great and wonderful things began to happen. It can happen for you, too, when you give God permission to open and shut the doors before you.
The Rev. B.J. Funk is associate pastor of Central UMC in Fitzgerald. Email her at bjfunk@bellsouth.net.