This content has been archived. It may no longer be relevant

As I turned the knob to exit the bathroom, I was shocked when the doorknob came off in my hand. “What to do?” I asked myself.  “Nick, Nick,” I called. “Can you help me get out of here?”

My granddaughter Lauren and her boyfriend Nick had accompanied me to begin cleaning up what will soon be the new Hope House. It had been a good day until now—locked in with no way out.

Nick arrived and began to tinker with the knob on his side. His response?  “I don’t see any way to open the door from this side. The doorknob and hinges were installed on the inside. You’ll have to open it from your side.” What to do now? I needed tools–a screwdriver at the least.

” What about crawling out the window?” he asked. No, much too small.

“What about bringing me a screwdriver and handing it in through the window?” I asked.  No screwdriver to be found!

Since I am a bit claustrophobic, I thanked the Lord that the room was large and that I could move freely.  I just could not get out.

I decided to call Tom, the overseer for the remodeling project, to see if there were tools somewhere on the premises; but I didn’t have his number. My solution? Call Pastor Mike to get Tom’s number.

Ever the good shepherd, Pastor Mike gave me the number but also came to the rescue! He was close by—and had his tools in his truck. It wasn’t long until he arrived and gave me a screwdriver through the small window along with instructions on what to do. Fortunately, I was able to remove the screws, and the doorknob mechanism fell to the floor. I was free!

In the meantime, word spread quickly that Mama was locked in the bathroom! My family and friends began to send me all kinds of helpful ideas! Friend Tom, when I finally reached him, suggested a long soak in the tub. Daughter-in-law Heather commented, “Well, that’s taking social distancing to the extreme!” She also sent me a meme—a man who had been locked in an elevator dancing a jig and shouting, “I’m free! I’m free!”  Pastor Mike gave me a new nickname—Houdini! Son Joe just laughed–and laughed–and laughed!

Yes, it was funny—but it would not have been so had I been alone without a phone! I would have been terrified! I could imagine myself trying to kick down the door like they do on television! Not a pretty sight!

As I reflected on the event after it was over, I was reminded of the scripture from Revelation:

“ Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.  To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.” (Revelation 3:19-20 NKJV)

Every believer has faced the invitation to open the door to our hearts and let Jesus come in. Sadly, though, there are many lost people in the world who are trapped in sin or addiction and can’t figure out how to get out. They won’t open the door because they don’t know how, they are afraid of change, or they just can’t believe it’s possible because of all the sin in their lives.

You may recall the woman at the well who had a hard time grasping the truth that Jesus would even be talking to her. (John 4:1-42) Then there’s the rich young man who was afraid to leave behind the trappings of this world to follow Jesus. (Matthew 19:16-30) Finally, there’s Nicodemus who saw salvation as impossible. (John 3:1-18) Ultimately, the woman at the well and Nicodemus accepted Jesus as their Messiah. Sadly, the rich young ruler never did.

Many times, Jesus stands on the other side of the door calling, but the one to whom he calls cannot figure out how to open the door. He or she needs a guide—someone to provide the “tool” to open the door.

Perhaps they simply need an explanation of the gospel or a word of encouragement or a helping hand. Whatever the “tool,” the individual needs help opening the door and allowing the Savior access to the heart! What a blessing when the door finally opens! What a time of celebration!

Once when Jesus was speaking to the crowds, he said, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings.  And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32 NLT)

Challenge: What about you? Have you answered Jesus’ gentle knock? Have you let him into your heart and soul and allowed him to free you from your bondage to sin? If not, I pray you will take the steps necessary for salvation: Admit that you are a sinner. Believe that Jesus lived a sinless life and died as a substitute for you. Confess your sins, and Commit your life to him.

If you have taken these steps, then I encourage you to look around for those who need help in opening their doors. You can be the tool that helps them meet the Savior of the world so that they can join you in the Kingdom and experience true freedom. What a blessing to both of you!