
One of my husband’s favorite genres is science fiction. Often a character enters a new universe by going through a portal. For a limited period of time, a portal opens allowing access then it closes.
I started thinking about portals as an (obviously imperfect) analogy to God’s presence and opportunities in our lives.
Saying “Yes” opens a door to a vast universe we never imagined possible. Saying “no” may keep us from marvelous plans God has for us. Waiting is dangerous. The portal could close and remain shut, and we would be blocked from entering.
We observe this in the life of King Nebuchadnezzar. As Daniel Chapter 4 begins, the king was content and prosperous, but near the end of the chapter, he was living as a beast in the field eating grass. What happened? The king was walking in pride and believed that all he had accomplished was through his own hand. After dreaming of a flourishing tree that is chopped down, Nebuchadnezzar summons the prophet Daniel. After interpreting the king’s dream, Daniel urged Nebuchadnezzar to repent, but the king did not. After 12 months, God removed his authority and he was driven away for 7 years until raised his eyes to heaven and his sanity was restored. King Nebuchadnezzar recognized that the Lord is sovereign over the world’s kingdoms and bestows power and authority as He sees fit, The king concluded, “I will praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven because everything He does is right and all His ways are just. He is able to humble those who walk in pride.”
Now is the day of salvation. If God is drawing you to Himself, don’t delay because only He knows the number of our days. If He is calling you to act in faith, the opportunity may not last indefinitely. If it is God who has opened a door, we can enter with confidence.
When we listen and obey God, our hearts remain softened and able to receive more. When we refuse God and His ways, our hearts become hardened and calloused with the risk of eventually becoming stony. Entering the unknown may seem daunting but remember…