“A Lesson from the Canine Population”

“Look, I'm standing at the door and knocking. If anyone listens to my voice and opens the door, I'll come in and we'll eat together.” Revelation 3:20 (God’s Word Translation)

I’ve given birth three times, but I actually have four children. The baby of the family happens to be a two-year old Miniature Schnauzer named Bella. She’s a sweet little thing and is definitely attached to me. It’s not uncommon for me to trip because she’s under my feet, or for her to follow me from room to room. When I get ready in the mornings, I close the door, but I don’t latch it completely. Like clockwork, Bella will nudge the door open just enough so she can see me. But, because she understands I am busy - she will hop on the bed and patiently wait until I emerge.

The same thing happens when she wants to play. She quietly brings a toy and drops it in front of me. Then she sits and waits for me to grab a hold - a sign that says it’s time for tug-a-war, or an intense game of chase. It literally thrills little Bella, when I choose to make the grab instead of ignore her silent pleas. Amazingly enough, choosing to deny her invitations never discourage her from “asking” me to play.

Dogs are amazing! Their love for their owner is unconditional. They don’t care if you are successful, popular, or athletic. They have no concept of how much money you make and they will snuggle you even when you are sick, hurting, or unlovable. Their loyalty is like none other on earth. Maybe that’s why we often hear the saying, “A dog is a man’s best friend.”

Do these canine qualities remind you of anyone? There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother, closer than even your beloved pet! A friend who loves me no matter how bad I mess up, or how unlovable I really am. A friend who stands at my door and knocks, gently, patiently - watching, waiting for me to grab hold and respond to Him. And when I do, oh how it thrills His heart!

Maybe you can look back on this last week and recognize the opportunities that God dropped in front of you and then waited patiently for you to pick it up and run with it. Maybe you see the instances where God has knocked, but you just never answered the door. Maybe God wanted you to do something, say something, learn something, get rid of something - but you never answered the door.

God is the knocker, the stander, the one who wants to come in and have fellowship with you and me, but we have to open the door. He will never push it open or break it down. But He WILL knock. And He will KEEP knocking! Won’t you answer?