I’ve said it myself: the doors just seem shut to any conversations about God. Nobody seems interested, I have declared; overlooking the reality that most people I meet are interested in many of the same things I am – a segway into some conversations about what we believe. We are each open to helpfulness, thoughtfulness, genuine interest, and even new ideas – if they don’t totally derail our journeys.
However, the topic of God may unsettle conversations, closing doors.
Reviewing Colossians 4:2-6 in an evening sermon, I saw why some conversations feel like I’m walking into a closed door. Paul prayed, and he asked for prayer.
For whom do I pray – consistently, and for what do I ask God?
I remember James admonished the church about their prayers –You do not have because you do not ask . . . (James 4:1-3, The Message)
Routinely I ask God to save the people I know and love; not so much do I ask that He equip me with compassion, commonsense, and commitment to be useful and steadfast outside my bubble.
No, I worry that I know enough to answer objections to the proposition that there is a God. I am more afraid of looking unintelligent, than I am of being a safe soul in whom another may confide and converse.
I can see why some doors remain shut.
The truth is, nobody wants a lecture, even if we need one. We want someone who, when we ask, will listen; we need someone who prays for us — whether we know it or not.
Jar My Memory
Somebody prayed for me. I don’t know who or when or why. And at a point, when I was willing to listen, others helped me open a door.
Thank you God for your people who prayed for me – thank you for people who served You and helped me.
Lord, make me a better petitioner for people I know and have yet to meet, in these uncertain times. Please God, open doors, especially the ones I doubt ever will open, and the ones I don’t want to go near.
“Tolerance isn’t about not having beliefs. It’s about how your beliefs lead you to treat people who disagree with you.” ―
Opening Doors