"Keep on knocking and the door will be opened." Matthew 7:7 (NIV)
In my house, when I am in the computer room, bathroom, or bedroom, I cannot hear
when someone knocks on the front door. It is not just me. My husband, Jeff, has
also noticed that unless you are very quiet and listen for the sound of tapping,
it is near impossible to hear a knock at the front door.
Several months ago, with the dropping of the finance rates, we decided to
refinance our house. Since I was unable to attend the closing procedure that
morning, the finance company called and informed us they were sending the papers
for me to sign to our door, via a courier service. Jeff could in turn take the
signed papers with him to the closing.
Jeff had to run to work for a short time that morning, but left me specific
instructions, several times, to stay in the living room and listen for the knock
at the door. I reassured him before he left that there was nothing to worry
about. I knew how to listen for the knock.
I don't recall what distracted me, but temptation drew me to my computer for
just a moment - at least I thought it was only a moment. Before you know it,
Jeff was back at home and found a note attached to the front door that the
courier service had been there with a delivery.
With this incident, Jeff (being a sign painter), immediately made a huge sign
which states KNOCK HARD and attached it to our front door; it still remains
there today. He decided we were not going to take any more chances and miss an
important knock on our door.
Oftentimes, I wonder how many times has God knocked at the door of my heart, but
I couldn't hear the knock, because I was distracted or busy doing things I
wanted to do.
From time to time, we need to re-evaluate what interrupts our contact with God.
Instead of asking Him to "knock hard" we need to make sure we take the time out
from our busy activity to quiet our hearts and listen for His important knock.
Annettee Budzban AHRTWRITES2U@aol.com
Annettee Budzban is an author and newspaper religion columnist. She has also
been published on various e-zines and in magazines such as Guideposts Angels on
Earth, Purpose, The Gem, Standard, Stewardship, and more. Her stories and
devotions appear in many popular anthologies such as God's Way books and the Cup
of Comfort devotional.
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