Open Doors

I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.

Revelation 3:8

Lord, I don’t want to go back there, but I’ll do it if you will help me, I prayed in my car. Our Sunday morning class had been invited to join a burgeoning ministry at the local emergency shelter. Once a week, several ladies from the class brought activities and small gifts for the girls at the shelter. Some of the staff and girls were engaging while others looked at us with suspicion. 

Each week as I drove home, I talked to God. This is a wonderful ministry and someone needs to do it, but I’m not the one.

I laid out some good arguments why I shouldn’t be continuing. Those girls don’t like me. I don’t want to hinder what you want to do there, Lord. The school teachers are more equipped to present your word. That volunteer has a better rapport with the girls. Thank you for the opportunity, but I won’t be going back next week.

However, each week I returned. I made a point to focus on sharing God’s love rather than the uncomfortable feelings I experienced.

And God was faithful. He continued opening doors for the ministry. He changed hearts and attitudes, including mine. Eight years have passed since I first stepped into the emergency shelter. Over the years, I have been blessed by many wonderful girls, staff and volunteers I would never have known had I not persevered.

This month, the doors of the shelter will close. My fellow volunteers and I looked back at all that has happened in this ministry. We can only conclude this is the Lord’s doing, and it is wonderful to see (Psalm 118:23 NLT).

If God opens a door for you, let me encourage you to walk through it, no matter how ill-equipped you feel. If you show up, God will do the rest.

Terri