Keeping the Door Open

 This morning I used this reading as a devotional in our congregation's women fellowship group. We were nine in number, more than we have had for some time.

Most of the women shared, some more than once. It is a joy to be part of the group and to both minister to them, and be ministered by them.

We are one of the few women's groups in our church that use English as their primary language and most of our women have post secondary education so I enjoy the fellowship much as we relate well to each other.
      
Daniel 3:1-23

In this passage we find that God spoke to Daniel when he didn’t speak to the many others in Nebuchadnezzar’s kingdom. He had called many “magicians, enchanters, sorcerers, and astrologers”, but none could know what the king had dreamt about. As a result the king became furious and ordered the execution of all wise men in Babylon, including Daniel and his friends.

But then Daniel offered hope. Once he understood the situation he used “wisdom and tact” and asked for a little time. Daniel knew the source of the other wise men’s wisdom and knew his wisdom came from God. The other wise men had a closed door to God’ wisdom and power, while Daniel’s door was always open.

What about us? Do we keep our door open to God working in our lives? There have been times in my life when God seemed so close and other times when I could only trust that he was still listening. Some preach in ways that make us feel like we’re missing out on something if we don’t feel like we’re on top of the mountain with God’s power rushing around us as if we were in a storm; I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to live in the midst of a storm.

We need to remember that keeping the door open to God by reading our Bibles, attending church, meeting him in prayer, and turning from evil is the day to day experience of staying close to God. Daniel had the habit of praying often and trusted God was present in his life so when he went to God with the king’s concern, God was there for him. That’s the same for us; God is there for his faithful followers. Call on him in faithful sincerity and trust he will work in your life.

1 Peter 3:10-12