THE CHALLENGE OF THE OPEN DOOR OF TRUST…
By Wade Martin Hughes, Sr. Kyfingers@aol.com (YouTube: Wade Hughes)
OPEN DOORS CAME IN MANY WAYS!
Seems there was a lot of police activity and sirens in the area. This was one of the hottest days of the summer. A lady got out of her car and locked her keys in the car. Her precious little baby was in the back seat. She fell to her knees and started praying: PLEASE GOD HELP ME! MY BABY WILL DIE TRAPPED IN MY HOT CAR. PLEASE GOD, SEND ME HELP, NOW!
About that time a grubby looking man in an orange jump suit came running by… The lady begged the dirty grubby man… PLEASE, SIR, COULD YOU PLEASE HELP ME? I HAVE LOCKED MY KEYS IN THE CAR! WORSE THAN THAT MY BABY IS CRYING IN THE BACK SEAT. PLEASE HELP ME.
In a matter of seconds the old man had her door open and reached in and calmed the baby and took it out of the baby seat and handed him to the mother. The lady was hugging and thanking the man… She said: “SIR, YOU ANSWERED MY PRAYERS, YOU SAVED MY BABY IN A MATTER OF SECONDS BY OPENING THE DOOR WITHOUT BREAKING ANY WINDOWS.
About that time 4 or 5 police cars with their lights flashing pulled around them. The police jumped out with their guns drawn. The lady could not understand, what’s going on here? The policemen grabbed the dirty man and handcuffed him. The lady asked: WHY? The officer explained: THIS MAN IS A TERRIBLE CRIMINAL. He has stolen hundreds of cars and has been in prison for years… He escaped prison and we have been looking for him several days. We heard he was in the area of the mall and now he is captured… The officers loaded him in the back seat and away they went.
The lady dropped to her knees and prayed a prayer of thanksgiving… LORD, I ASKED YOU TO HELP ME TO GET IN MY CAR AND BE DOG GONE IF YOU DIDN’T PROVIDE ME WITH A PROFESSIONAL TO SAVE MY SON. THANK YOU GOD FOR THIS OPEN DOOR.
IN ENGLISH WE HAVE 4 KINDS OF SENTENCES… Declarative (states or declares); Interrogative (ask a question); Exclamatory (strong feelings, emotions); Imperative (order, command.) LET US LOOK AT THE IMPERATIVE COMMAND.
In most IMPERATIVE COMMANDS… THERE SUBJECT IS OMITTED… The subject is often you understood… Let us look at two:
John 14:1 Let not your heart be troubled: ----
Mark 11:22 And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.
John suggested to us that a troubled heart is a personal choice. Mark 11:22 is more than a strong suggestion… It is an order from headquarters. Jesus clearly states as a matter-of-fact that we must TRUST the leadership and timing of God’s plan. We need to accept and embrace by faith and trust that God’s love and plan is real. By trusting God we can love and embrace God’s plan. We must believe, trust and receive God’s IMPERATIVE COMMAND: HAVE FAITH IN GOD… TRUST HIS PLAN…
DO WE TRUST THE OPEN DOOR? IT MAY NOT BE WHAT WE ARE SEEKING… OPEN DOORS DO NOT ALWAYS LOOK EASY OR FAVORABLE. GOD CAN OPEN DOORS OF OPPORTUNITY… THROUGH STORMS, ILLINESS, TROUBLES AND TRIALS… GREAT MEN OF GOD HAVE SOUGHT AN OPEN DOOR TO THE OPPORTUNITY SET BEFORE THEM… WE NEED TO TRUST AND PRAY THE PRAYER FOR AN OPEN DOOR…
Acts 14:27 And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles.
TRUST? INCARCERATED? OPEN DOORS MAY LOOK ADVERSARIAL… TRUST ANYWAY…PAUL WAS IN PRISON… WHAT IS A GOOD PRISON PRAYER? LORD, OPEN THESE PRISON BARS AND LET ME OUT? THAT IS A GREAT TRUST REQUEST…
Colossians 4:3 Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:
Paul does not demand the prison doors to be OPEN… Paul’s actions and prayers were he saw this jail as an opportunity to boldly carry the gospel. PAUL MADE THE PERSONAL CHOICE THAT THIS SEASON IN PRISON WAS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO PREACH AND TEACH! THE OPEN DOOR.
Psalm 20:7 Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.
Psalm 20:7 (MSG) See those people polishing their chariots, and those others grooming their horses? But we're making garlands for GOD our God.
I HAVE BEEN IN THE MINISTRY OVER 44 YEARS… WHEN A QUESTION KEPT POPPING IN MY MIND AND IN MY SPIRIT…
DO YOU TRUST ME? I knew how PETER must have felt when JESUS ASKED PETER: “DO YOU LOVE ME?” Well Lord, why do you keep asking me: YOU KNOW I DO? DO I TRUST YOU? JESUS YOU KNOW I TRUST YOU… 44 YEARS IN THE PASTORAL MINISTRY --- I HAVE TO TRUST YOU --- GOD, I HAVE TO TRUST YOU FOR SURVIVAL. The question just kept reoccurring in my heart: DO YOU TRUST ME? LORD YOU KNOW I TRUST YOU!
WHY DO WE NEED TO TRUST?
TRUST: security, to rely on, expect, to commit; to believe one is honest and fair, a charge, a duty, ENTRUSTED, firm belief in the reliability, truth, ability, or strength; assured reliance on the character or ability; CONFIDENCE, HOPE, DEPENDENCE ON, faith, expectation.
FAITH: comes from a strong belief system, faith can lead to trust, duty, loyalty, COMPLETE TRUST.
WE TRUST THAT GOD IS A REWARDER… WHAT ABOUT THE “IF’S”. TRUST ME TO BE FAITHFUL? … DILIGENTLY SEEK AND BE FAITHFUL… THERE IS A PAY DAY AT THE END OF THE ROAD… THIS OPEN DOOR?
Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
Hebrews 11:6 (MSG) It's impossible to please God apart from faith. And why? Because anyone who wants to approach God must believe both that he exists and that he cares enough to respond to those who seek him.
IS THAT THE RED SEA IN FRONT OF US? IS THAT THE DUST OF PHAROAH’S ARMY BEHIND US? THIS OPEN DOOR TO THE LIONS’ DEN? TRUST? THIS OPEN DOOR TO THE FURNACE HEATED 7 TIMES HOTTER THAN EVER BEFORE? TRUST? MY 10 BROTHERS HATE ME AND WILL NOT TALK TO ME? TRUST?
Mark 9:23 Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.
Mark 9:23 (MSG) Jesus said, "If? There are no 'ifs' among believers. Anything can happen."
TRUST MUST BE CURRENT… NOW FAITH: YESTERDAY IS GONE… TOMORROW MAY NEVER BE --- WE NEED NOW FAITH TO TRUST…
Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
REAL TRUST IS BOTH A CHOICE AND A FEELING BEYOND EMOTIONS… Would I trust you to watch my children? Would I trust you to drive my car?
FIX IT MENTALITY? TRUST ME? TRUST ME? LET ME DO IT? THE HEART IN THE BIBLE IS YOUR WILL, THE CONTROL CENTER OF DAILY LIFE. THE SEAT OF AFFECTION.
There was a small lad that walked into the church and was afraid with all the strange people and things around him… He was fascinated by one plague on the wall. The plague gave honor to those that died in the service. The boy was even more afraid than before. The Pastor saw the boy shaking and asked him. How can I help you? The boy asked: Did all these people die in the service? The preacher said: SURE ENOUGH. The boy then said Preacher did they die in the 10 am service or the 11 am service?
Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
Proverbs 3:5 (MSG) Trust GOD from the bottom of your heart; don't try to figure out everything on your own.
WHY TRUST GOD? HE HAS MADE US PROMISES… GOD WILL FIGHT FOR US IF WE WILL LIVE FOR HIM. MANY SAY THEY WILL DIE FOR JESUS, BUT THEY REFUSE TO LIVE FOR HIM? TRUST THE BATTLE IS NOT YOURS… DON’T STEAL GOD’S WORK! 2 Chronicles 20:15 And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's.
The open door: WE STAND ON THE PROMISES AND TRUST GOD’S PLAN.
Exodus 14:14 The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold
THIS OPEN DOOR MEANS I CAN TRUST GOD BECAUSE HE IS EMMANUEL --- GOD IS WITH US… HE WILL NEVER LEAVE US OR FORSAKE US…
Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.
Hebrews 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. 6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.
THIS OPEN DOOR TEACHES US TO TRUST GOD? WHAT IS TRUTH? IS THERE ABSOLUTE TRUTH? WHAT IS LIFE ABOUT? IS WHAT YOU SAY AND THINK VALID? WE SEEM TO TRUST EVERYTHING BUT GOD… DOUBT AND FEAR CAUSES US TO LOSE OUR FOCUS AND CLOSE THE DOOR. WE ALLOW DARKNESS TO CAUSE US TO SEE HOW HARD AND DIFFICULT THE SEASONS WE ARE IN…
Psalm 119:105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
Psalm 119:105 (MSG) By your words I can see where I'm going; they throw a beam of light on my dark path.
LIGHT IS NOT ABOUT CANDLES OR LAMPS… CANDLES ARE BUT VEHICLES TO REVEAL THE LIGHT… THE POWER OF THE LIGHT WILL ALWAYS GROW THE SEED. THE SEED MUST DIE… TO ALLOW THE LIGHT TO RULE… TRUST THE LIGHT. I TRUST THE POWER OF THE RESURRECTION!
John 12:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.
THE OPEN DOOR? WHAT HAPPENS IF WE STAY THE SAME WAY? THE SAME ATTITUDES? BLESSED IS HE WHO EXPECTS NOTHING… HE SHALL RECEIVE EXACTLY WHAT HE EXPECTED… DOWN AND UP? UP AND DOWN? SIT HERE AND ROT?
James 1:6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
GOD HAS A DOOR FOR ME! I CAN TRUST GOD BECAUSE HE KNOWS ME… GOD SO LOVED ME HE GAVE… GOD KNOWS MY NAME…
Isaiah 43:1 But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.
Isaiah 45:4 For Jacob my servant's sake, and Israel mine elect, I have even called thee by thy name: I have surnamed thee, though thou hast not known me.
THE OPEN DOOR LEADS TO GOD’S PLAN AND HIS PURPOSE FOR US, DON’T MISS OR WASTE THE OPPORTUNITY?
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
THE OPEN DOOR MAY SEEM TO BE A TWISTED PATH OF HURT AND SELF-DOUBT. DO YOU KNOW GOD WILL DEFEND YOU? DON’T STEAL REVENGE AND PAY BACK IN ANGER…TRUST THAT GOD WILL DEFEND YOU…GOD KNOWS YOUR CASE… GOD KNOWS WHAT YOU ARE GOING THROUGH.
Romans 12:19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
1 Peter 3:9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing
I TRUST THE POWER OF REGENERATION TO CHANGE LIVES, FAMILIES AND CHURCHES. HOW DID I GET HERE? WILL I STAY HERE? WHAT MUST I DO TO GET OVER THERE? GOD KNOWS WHERE YOU ARE… GOD UNDERSTANDS HOW YOU GOT WHERE YOU ARE… GOD CAN DELIVER YOU!
Mark 9:23 Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.
Mark 9:23 (MSG) Jesus said, "If? There are no 'ifs' among believers. Anything can happen."
Mark 9:23 (NLT2) “What do you mean, ‘If I can’?” Jesus asked. “Anything is possible if a person believes.”
THE OPEN DOOR TEACHES ME I CAN TRUST AND HAVE FAITH IN GOD IN EVERY DARK NIGHT, IN ALL THE TERRIBLE STORMS… GOD’S DIVINE PLAN TOOK CARE OF ADAM AND EVE… ABRAHAM AND SARAH, JONAH IN THE SEA, THE 3 HEBREW BOYS IN THE FIRE, DANIEL IN THE LIONS’ DEN, MOSES IN EGPYT, JOSHUA AND CALEB, ELIJAH FROM AHAB AND JEZEBEL, AND YOU THINK HE CAN’T HANDLE YOUR PROBLEM?
Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Proverbs 3:5 (MSG) Trust GOD from the bottom of your heart; don't try to figure out everything on your own.
6 Listen for GOD's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he's the one who will keep you on track.
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT2) Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.
6 Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.
WHILE GOD HAS GOOD PLANS FOR YOU… HIS PLANS ARE CONDITIONAL… GOD’S PLANS KNOW WHAT IS BEST… BUT YOU HAVE A KEY TO UNLOCK AND TO OPEN THE DOOR. God is working for you… TRUST HIM.
Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28 (MSG) That's why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.
THE GREAT I AM IDENTIFIED HIMSELF IN THE BURNING BUSH HAS PROVEN HE IS DEPENDABLE AND TRUSTWORTHY. GRAB GOD’S UNSEEN HANDS AND TRUST. THE ONLY CERTAIN THING WE KNOW IS UNCERTAINTY. I TRUST THE PLAN THAT THE GOOD NEWS IS THE BAD NEWS IS NOT THE TRUTH. We have a loving shepherd.
Let us close with this thought… quit trusting temporal solutions… TRUST GOD…
Matthew 6:26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? 27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?
THIS OPEN DOOR IS MUCH MORE THAN EATING, DRINKING AND BEING MERRY… WE MUST KNOW LAZINESS AND PASSIVITY WILL NOT OPEN THE DOOR… FAITH AND TRUST WILL OPEN DOORS TO OPPORTUNITY…
Matthew 7:7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
CONCLUSION: THE OPEN DOOR’S OPPORTUNITY WILL TAKE US TO THE HEART OF GOD…
Abraham Lincoln followed the open doors. While living in Kentucky Abraham’s mother, NANCY HANKS LINCOLN died at 34 years of age. he was 9. The family moved to Perry County Indiana. There seemed to be no rhyme of reason to life. Later Abraham Lincoln moved to NEW SALEM, ILLINOIS. IN SANGAMON COUNTY LINCOLN ONLY HAD ONE THINK FROM HIS JOURNEY AND HIS MOTHER… THE OPEN DOOR SURE LEAD DOWN SOME STRANGE PATHWAYS… LINCOLN ALWAYS REFERRED TO HIS MOTHER AS “ANGEL MOTHER.”
The only surviving memorabilia from NANCY HANKS LINCOLN WAS HER PERSONAL BIBLE…
LINCOLN OFTEN SAID: ALL THAT I AM, OR HOPE TO BE, I OWE TO MY ANGEL MOTHER.
Lincoln said: THE BEST GIFT EVER GIVEN TO MAN WAS THE BIBLE. Nancy’s Bible was known as “MOTHER’S BIBLE.” Nancy was a strong believer in God and his plan. THE BIBLE WAS TREASURED BY ABRAHAM LINCOLN AS A SOURCE OF OPEN DOORS…
THE MOST VISITED PASSAGE IN THEIR BIBLE WAS:
Psalm 37:1 Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.
Psalm 37:7 Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.
His servant, Wade Martin Hughes, Sr. Kyfingers@aol.com (YouTube: Wade Hughes)
I would love to hear from you.
