KEYS TO OPEN DOORS
Blenheim Palace, the stately home of the Duke of Marlborough, and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, is so near to Oxford, England.
The guard fits a two and a half kilogram key in the lock to open the one and a half tonne door, which may only be opened from the inside. Visitors then may enter the palace to view its precious treasures.
Paintings of former Dukes and Duchesses cover high walls. A tapestry woven by 200 Flemish weavers over 13 years adorns a room, while carved furniture, colourful carpets, glass cabinets set with priceless Ming Dynasty porcelain , Polish china and crystal, allure with their beauty. The dining table is set with a gold dinner service for 32 guests. And to stir the intellect the library holds 10,000 leather - bound books.
The small spartan room where Mrs Churchill gave birth to Winston contrasted with the palace’s luxury, with memorabilia of the Churchill era in an adjoining room.
These temporary treasures bear no comparison with God’s eternal treasures, as He opens the door with His invitation, ‘Come in. Taste and see that the Lord is good.’
The FAITH key unlocks God’s gift of grace. The Holy Spirit interprets God’s grace to us. Read the Scriptures as the Holy Spirit reveals that the Lord Jesus Christ is the door we enter to receive God’s limitless treasures of salvation. By His divine grace, He intervenes in our lives so that through faith we are changed from sinner to saint. The faith key opens for us the hope of eternal life, grace in weakness, strength in trial, and provision for our needs.
The PRAYER key opens the door to God’s amazing answers. Because He is ALMIGHTY, God can act without our prayers. Yet His wisdom and love allow us to communicate with Him. As parents enjoy talking with their children, listening to their stories, expression and requests, so the Lord Jesus Christ taught His disciples to pray, ‘Our Father Who is in heaven…..’ and pray with praise, worship and requests. Perhaps we forget that our prayers bless our God, because we are apt to think of our own need of blessing.
The LISTENING key swings the door enabling us to hear God speaking. That requires time but necessary to hear the Word of the Lord in the scriptures. I belong to a study group where we discuss set questions on a Bible book. As we talk also of our own needs, testings, weaknesses,and victories, we apply the instruction and principles of the scriptures, which is God speaking to us. As each lady’s confidence grows, she becomes available to listen to women who need godly help and biblical advice.
When we listen to God and His Word we are equipped to listen to those who ask the questions.
Recently a new christian sighed that her conversion occurred late in life. ‘Think of all the years I wasted,’ she said, until she read the consoling verse, ‘ I will make up for you the years that the locust has eaten.’ ( Joel 2;28,29 ) She did not need to register on a success scale with God. He looks for love and faithfulness which are the fruit of listening and obeying.
The LOVING key allows God’s love to infiltrate every situation. Love breaks the barriers of spoiled relationships , banishes resentment, jealousy and ill-will, as well as purifying our prayers for family and friends. It is not an ‘I should - love - this - person attitude ’, but love that flows from our God.
Marj asked. What can I do about Carla? She puts me down at every opportunity.’
‘I know you pray for her, but find some way to show your love. Invite her in for coffee. Take her a slip of a plant. You know how she enjoys her garden. Love will find a way,’ I assured her. ‘Pray for the right opportunity, and God will pop an idea into your mind.’
Doors open with love expressed in a tangible, inexpensive way. Some people are like a house with drawn blinds, with the darkness of doubt, or loneliness. A loving act allows the light to shine in.
For Joseph the WISDOM key unlocked a prison door. After three years, eventually Pharoah summoned Joseph to interpret his dreams. Joseph relied on God for a right answer. Pharoah then elevated Joseph to Prime Minister, and said, ‘Here is a man in whom is the Spirit of God.’ What an amazing recognition from a heathen ruler. James wrote that if we lack wisdom we may ask confidently and God promises a generous supply without rebuke.’ (James 1:5 )
When her parents-in-law visited from interstate, Rae asked for advice because they regularly swore using the Lord’s name. ‘I want to speak carefully because I do not wish to hurt them’.
‘Pray for the right opportunity, and trust God to help you explain wisely and lovingly,’ I suggested, as we prayed together. I reminded Rae that God unlocks the opportunity door through a chance remark, a question, or comment, so that we know it is God’s time to speak.
FAITH, PRAYER, LOVE. LISTENING AND WISDOM are some of God’s keys that open doors. God’s keys open life to far more treasures than we viewed in Blenheim Palace .
Ask Him to unlock doors for you.
Gwenda would love to hear how God opened doors for you