Walls or Doors

This morning Anne and I were talking about several different topics. It made me think about specifics in my life. I realized that too many times I look for walls before doorways. In thinking further, I realized that every wall at some point has an entrance/exit. In pondering about a recent event that Anne and I had just talked about, I had to ask myself this same question, "Am I looking at the wall, or am I looking for the door?" God is our doorway, he gives us a way into or a way out, (when needed). And sometimes we don't even know whether we should be leaving or entering, or for that matter, just standing behind the safety of the wall, but he knows.  
Revelation 3:20. Here, I’m standing at the door, knocking. If someone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he will eat with me.

God Hears Our Prayers

I was feeling a little down the other day. I cannot explain to you why, but I knew after what happened next that I realized God was hearing my prayers.
Whenever in the past when feeling down, I have thought of the time when I was out hunting southwest of Jackson, Mn. (my hometown). I was waiting for my brother to arrive when I found myself sitting by a snow covered stream near the Little Sioux River. The brook was entering the frozen river, but at the entrance there was a hole in the ice that bubbled water through to the surface. I listened to the water and I looked at the snow covered surroundings that seemed so surreal with its beauty. As I was taking in all that was happening, a mink came out of the water and walked around the opening, all the while playing around on the snow covered ice. As I watched this event taking place, I found myself in a very special place feeling very close to God at that point in time. The peace I had at that moment was greater than I had experienced ever before. For many years now I have often gone back to that time in my mind to find the peace that I had in those few precious moments. 

This morning I found myself helpless to control present

circumstances and I was wondering if God was hearing my words and my pleading heart. It was just then, a baby mink appeared on our sidewalk. It sat upright in front of Anne and myself and it seemed to be looking right into my eyes. I knew in my heart that God was speaking to me through this little animal and letting me know that all would be well. I then shared with Anne about what happened to me so many years before with a mink, and we both struggled to hold back our tears. God is so good and he is not far away. He hears our prayers and he cares for us so very much.

God's Way

1 Corinthians 13:12. For now we see through a glass, darkly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; but then shall I know, even as also I am known. 

Sometimes God reminds us of his love through ways that are of his choosing. I was praying for Anne this morning and as I prayed for her, this song came to me, Blessed Assurance. I don't know why this song came to me, but I felt some purpose for it. I never sang or hummed it in my daily work, or found myself drawn to it ever. I later shared it with Anne and she then told me that her grandpa had this as his theme song for his Christian radio broadcast. I then realized that God was putting it on my heart not for me, but for Anne. We both wept in silent joy knowing that God does not forget us when our hearts are heavy and burdened with the world's problems and concerns. Praise his holy name!