So there you are, staring at a door slammed solidly in your face. “When God closes a door, He opens a window!” your friends thoughtfully remind you.
That phrase is kind and helpful to remember, but something about it always sits wrong with me.
Why would God take away an entire door and then leave me with just a little window? A door I can walk through. A window requires some climbing and contortion.
On a side note, yes, I have climbed through a window. When Saul and I were first married we locked ourselves out of the house. Guess who got to stand on Saul’s back so she could break into her own home?
Let me tell you, friends, windows suck. I don’t want a window. I want the door that just slammed to swing wide open once again.
Jordan (my 15 year old daughter) and I were at church yesterday when a lovely couple stopped to tell us how sorry they are that my husband lost his job. They asked if there was anything they could do to help and then leaned in to say, “You know, when God closes a door, He opens a window.”
My daughter looked them straight in the eye and replied, “Yep, or He punches a hole in the wall.”
In that exact moment, it occurred to me. I’ve been waiting for a window to open. A stupid window! I love a God who can part the Red Sea and I’ve been waiting for Him to open a window??? Please. My dog can open a window. (Well, almost.)
God can do anything. He can do anything for you. What do you need Him to do in your life? Is there something that feels too big? Do you feel trapped? Then start asking God to punch a hole in the wall.
As Jordan and I sat down in the sanctuary, I reflected on her words. I was stunned by how small my faith had been and grateful that God spoke to me through her one simple phrase.
It was as though in that moment, God said to me, “Nic, ask me to show you my power. Allow me to punch holes in the wall and tear this place wide open.”
So that’s what I did. I asked God to show me his power. Now I wait in confidence that I’m not going to have to try to fit through some dirty window. God is going to tear down a wall and my entire family is going to walk right through it.
What do you need to ask God for? You’re not bothering Him or insulting Him or wasting His time by bringing your needs. He wants to hear from you. Perhaps he’s just waiting for your permission to tear down some walls.