God Slammed The Door Shut

It wasn’t until I stopped attempting to get God’s attention that I experienced Him up close. When I became a Christian, I began working on a plan to please God through works of service. Those were tough years, filled with times of great discouragement. I couldn’t seem to get Him to pay attention to the many ventures I started in His name. The more I said, “Look at what I am doing for you,” the more distant He appeared. The door to God’s presence appeared slammed shut and locked from the inside.

Imagine my surprise when I discovered that God didn’t need me to accomplish His plan and purpose. This closed door opened my eyes to seek God, not through works, but for Himself. I began to experience heartfelt gratitude for what He was doing in my life. Thanking God became a habit of my daily journey. God was not getting pleasure out of my suffering; He was using these trials to develop my character and push me toward Him.

For many years I thought I had to prove something to God to enjoy His presence. Finally, I got it; it was His work through Christ that granted me access, not my actions. The door that was bolted from the inside opened when I began to pursue God for the pure delight of His fellowship.

I have learned what it means to say thank you and mean it. Now I serve in the church out of the joy of knowing God. Jeremiah 29:13 “You shall seek Me, and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.”

Pastor Mike

The doors open when what you pursue is Christ.