Are you Knocking?

Knock,Knock! Who's There?
Just checking to see if anyone is home. :) But seriously, I did want to share what God has been saying to me about "knocking". Matthew 7:7 says we should Ask,Seek and Knock. Asking God for something is easy. We can sometimes do it very passively without much effort. Seeking requires some movement as we read His word and do a little research. Now knocking is all together different." To knock "means to hit,blow,strike or basically, work.
Colossians 3:23 tells us that "Whatever we do,work at it with all your heart,as working for the Lord,not for men.
To knock off means to stop working.
To knock out means finishing a job.
To knock down means to take apart.

I don't know about you,but as I look around me I see alot of people who are really tired and weary and sometimes quite depressed about how life is treating them right now. It is tough out there. But as a Christian, there is something we need to remember: We must not stop "knocking". We can't knock off just because things are hard. We must continue to do what God has called us to do. Let us raise up our hands and hit,strike and pound upon the doors that God has placed in front of us. It is a different door for each of us------------- maybe it's a lost neighbor,a prodigal son,a wayward spouse,an addiction,poverty or depression. We must not stop until we knock down and take apart the walls that are holding these doors in place. These walls consist of pride,fear,anger,lies and misunderstandings. We must open the doors with the truth spoken in love,God's word and prayer. This is not easy,but hard work. Think of 2 boxers in the final round.... it is a draw and both are hardly able to stand,much less fight. But one boxer somehow finds an extra measure of strength and "knocks out" his opponent. A knock out means Victory because his opponent can no longer fight. That is what we need to do right now, find an extra measure of strength to finish the work God has given us. Usually a boxer will gain strength by sitting in his corner for a few minutes to rest and listen to his coach speak words of encouragement and instruction. A cool drink of water brings physical refreshing. That is what we need as well. Take time to come away from the fight for awhile to rest and listen to God's word of guidance and encouragment. You too, will be spiritually refreshed by the Holy Spirit and have that extra measure of strength to knock out the enemy.
If you think this is just a fun play on words... let me know. But try it first and know that I do not think it is easy or will accomplish everything overnight. As the turtle said...Slow and steady wins the race. There are things I have been praying about and doors I have been knocking on for 20 years and am just now seeing results. Victory is sweeter the longer you strive for it. The job could be almost done..... so don't give up..... KNOCK IT OUT!!!! And that is my simple prayer for you. Let's ponder it together. ddlang