The Exhaustion of an Open Door
I remember as a child hearing the choir sing,
I've been running for Jesus, and I'm not tired yet.
Yeah... that is not my testimony right now.
Anybody rested up from the drain of quarantine? Have time to process or adjust to the world's grand opening? As the world has opened up, so have the floodgates of our schedules, our agendas, our minds, and for many of us - opportunities. Are you feeling strong enough mentally, emotionally, physically to take on a new venture? Let me ask you...
Are you tired yet?
Doesn't matter. Greater is still coming. That's right, tired or not, greater is still coming. Sounds harsh, I know, but you can prepare for the future and still something (even a good thing) can make you feel like you've been pushed ten steps back.
God, I'm grateful for my open doors. I just didn't know exhaustion would be the doorkeeper.
These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. 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. ~Revelations 3:7-9 NIV
In this text, Christ is speaking to a people overwhelmed by their efforts to stay true to the living God. As a gateway to the east, this overburdened church in the city of Philadelphia (meaning brotherly love) had the responsibility of fighting against false prophecy but still loving false people. Their geographical location positioned them to do great things for the kingdom, and yet it was that same positioning that wore them out.
I used to wonder why God would give us opportunities, and then let us be too wiped out to really enjoy them. Aren't blessings supposed to feel good?
Too much blessing, and we might feel we deserve it. Too much burden, and we might feel God is not near. Trying to balance both forces us to be humble enough to keep God close and keep our focus on His glory, not ours.
It is HE - the one who holds the key of David - who opens the door. But don't forget, he also sees your deeds. He knows how tired you are trying to do right. So as you move into open spaces of opportunity, keep these three things in mind:
#1
Never expect from God what you're not willing to give to God.
If you want opportunity, give him opportunities with you. You need time, give him time. Stay in position to steward what's coming, even if think you're too tired to enjoy it.
I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown. (verse 11)
Your greater is not just the opportunity itself, but the opportunity for Jesus to come and see about you. Position yourself in humility and let him love on you.
#2
Let the future find you faithful.
There is an order to things in Heaven. Make sure there is an order to your life. Consider delegating or cutting away anything that hinders God's opportunities. Heaven and earth should know they can depend on you for certain things so keep the main thing the main thing
#3
Be prepared to be proven trustworthy.
Verse 12 reads:
The one who is victorious I will make a pillar in the temple of my God.
RESILIENCE. Let that word minister to you today: RESILIENCE. Walking through God's open doors requires resilience. Child of God, all you need to receive what Jesus has for you is already inside of you. So, catch your breath, get out your planner, and get moving! Christ is trusting you with something greater. Don't let him down.
The Savior not only saves our soul, but saves us from ourselves. Our weakness is made perfect because of his strength. When the doors open, walk through as a dear friend reminded me, "by grace alone" (thanks, LaWanda).
Father...
you never said unmerited favor would be easy. Only hands willing to get to in the dirt can harvest the crop. Keep us resilient in this season. Humble us to lean and depend on you even when blessed. By grace alone we walk through your open door. In Jesus' name, amen.
See you next week!
RETURNS IN SEPTEMBER!
~
WRITER | MENTOR | TEACHER
LOVER OF CHOCOLATE |
PURPOSED TO EMPOWER |
30+ YEARS IN MINISTRY LEADERSHIP |
PREACHER OF THE GOSPEL
Phillipa also the Founder of ilooklikeLOVE, Inc., a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization providing diaper assistance to families in need and opportunities for mothers to empower themselves.
Look for her upcoming book,
GOD n You: Finding Your Place in Forever.
