Keep on Knocking

Going door knocking in this day and age can be an interesting experience. I especially find the Ring Doorbells intriguing. When I first came across them, I thought this was going to be great. Even if the person is not home, I can still talk to them. How wrong I was.

So far, I have encountered many of these Ring Doorbells, but have yet for anyone to actually answer them. On the one hand I find this disappointing. On the other, I cannot help but remember the words of Christ who said, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” (Matthew 7:7)

The idea of knocking has been described by some as asking with persistence. This is consistent with biblical teaching when it comes to our prayer life. Paul stated, “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17) Luke records, “Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart…” (Luke 18:1).

This parable that Luke records is the Parable of the Persistent Widow. She greatly desired justice from her adversary. She approached an unjust judge who would not heed her for some time. Jesus describes him as one who did not fear God, nor regard man.

However, he later succumbed to the widow’s desire. He said within himself, “Though I do not fear God nor regard man, yet because this widow troubles me I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.” (Luke 18:4-5)

Jesus makes His point. If this unjust judge can be persuaded to give the widow justice over her adversary, how much more will our loving heavenly Father give good things to those who ask Him? Jesus demonstrates the great contrast between the unjust judge and our heavenly Father.

Today, when we think about knocking in the spiritual sense of the word, it involves never giving up on prayer. No matter how great or how trivial our problems may be, we are told in God’s word, “casting all your care on Him for He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).

Typically, most do not have any trouble bringing the larger problems before God. But what about the trivial? If we think of them as too petty to bother God with, then we miss out on some of His richest blessings.

As we continue down life’s path, let us always bear in mind the great blessings we have in our prayer life before God. We keep on praying to Him and we never lose heart. We remember the great power of God and His great love for us. Therefore, always keep on knocking!

God Bless each of you,

Eric Hicks