“…Knock and the door will be opened…” Matthew 7:7
Many years ago my wife and I traveled to the Philippines to visit some missionary friends. There were several things that were new to us. Over the next few days, we will review some great truths of Scripture through some of these things we had not ever seen or experienced.
When traveling from one place to another, people might walk if it is not too far or get a ride from a taxi. The irony is almost every car was a taxi opportunity. But they also have these little “buses” called a jeepney. The ones we rode looked like a station wagon or SUV on steroids. Passengers ride in the back on one of two benches that are facing each other. Here is the key point: “When you want to stop and get off, you knock on the ceiling.” Crazy.
Basically, a passenger is getting the driver’s attention and communicating their need, which is to stop the jeepney so it is safe to get out. The driver is deciding when and where it is safe, while the passenger is making the need clear. The driver is making the final decision based on the traffic, pedestrians, space on the road, and any other obstacles.
Prayer is like this. You and I knock and let God know what is on our minds and hearts. This involves praise of who He is, thanks for what He does, confession of our sins, and requesting help and assistance. As we knock, we are letting God know, and we are entrusting Him to make the best decision, the right timing, and to have His purposes and honor be glorified in the answer.
The Scripture at the top is merely a portion of the entire thought. Here is the full thought: “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” To me, the door being opened is His glory and His purpose. And our desire in knocking is sharing our need and pointing ourselves to His purpose rather than pointing to us knowing the answer.
Why do not you and I both spend a little time today knocking on God’s door?