His Door Is Always Open
“Whoever comes to me I will never cast out.”
John 6:37
My husband Jay and I, along with some sweet friends, just completed a cycling adventure throughout the northern coast of France. The countryside views were beyond amazing. Together, with six other couples, we pedaled up and down hills, touring in and out of the seaside towns. We stepped into the marvel of historical sites, savored the finest French foods, and rode 190 miles over 5 days. Truly incredible! I have almost 500 photos as a reminder of the beauty and complete joy of this experience.
Centuries old stone houses were scattered along our route, some dressed with vibrantly painted wooden doors and shutters the stunning hues of periwinkle or bright red. Houses were lined with gorgeous hydrangeas and other flowers. A giant field of sunflowers surrounded a white house, which painted a beautiful contrast. Pastures of stately horses and a variety of cattle gave a feeling of the slower pace within these farming communities. Bronze wheat fields glistened in the sun and gently swayed in the breeze. One day, mid-ride, we had the privilege of picnicking on the grounds of “Long Pre,” a private property which housed General Patton after D-Day. The estate was truly incredible as Highland cows leisurely watched us from the adjacent pasture near our lunch spot. These scenes would all tie for second place on my top views remembered from this adventure.
The most spectacular memory will remain one of the many times we approached a tall spire atop a cathedral or rounded a corner to find a small historic church. We would often interrupt our ride to take a few minutes and explore these time worn sites. To our surprise, the church doors were always open! A fellow rider and I chatted about how church doors in the states are mostly locked, except for scheduled services. People have mentioned visiting a new church and not feeling welcomed. Friend, that is not God’s intent! He is always open to each of us, no matter what we are feeling or experiencing, whether we are spiritually lost or feeling distant from God.
There was something so beautiful and welcoming about these open church doors in France. We even stumbled into Notre Dame at the beginning of mass. It was almost as if I could sense God whispering, “My door is never closed– you are always welcome, and my arms are always open, open to everyone.” The more churches we explored, the more overwhelming the feeling became of God’s unconditional invitation to draw near to Him. Friend, It is authentic and undeniable; not just for a few but for everyone. No matter what we are walking through, even amidst our negative feelings or challenges, God doesn’t close the door to intimacy, peace, or comfort at any time. He also doesn’t need to be left outside our joy, achievements, and celebrations.
TRUTH
God always welcomes us: his invitation for salvation or a deeper relationship with Him is not based upon us, it is based upon his grace and mercy. (Psalm 23:6)
God's grace and mercy, when we walk towards those gifts of our Heavenly Father, bring peace that is supernatural. No matter how we are feeling or what we are walking through, God will never close the door on us.
I would love to hear if this has encouraged a deeper understanding of being welcomed into God's presence.
Would you pray this with me?
Dear Father,
Today I pray for someone who believes Your door is not open to them or feels distant from Your loving grace and mercy. I ask you to whisper or shout out to the one who is unsure of Your closeness. Thank you for establishing and sustaining the beautiful churches we saw during our time in France. I pray these churches may be a beacon of light and invitation as they were for us on this trip. I pray for each person who walks through these doors next week. I can’t imagine the doorway to eternal life with You and the glory that awaits. Praise God. Amen
If this devotion has spoken to you, I would love to hear how by leaving a comment below or emailing me tracyarntzen@gmail.com.