Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me”. Revelation 3:20 NKJV

What do we do when opportunity knocks on our door?

How well do we respond? More importantly, do we even hear the knocking? In the busyness of life, there are many competing noises, such as responsibilities, ambitions, distractions, and even good things that can drown out the gentle voice of God.  Yet Jesus stands patiently at the door of our hearts, knocking, not forcing, never demanding, but inviting.  He says, “If anyone hears His voice and opens the door, He will come in and dine with him and he with Jesus.

Patience is a virtue of Jesus. He does not shout above the noise of our competing priorities.  Because of His immense love for His children, He is long-suffering, tender-hearted, compassionate, and gently waits for us to hear and respond.  Throughout scripture, we find individuals who recognized that quiet knock.  Elijah heard God in a still small voice. Little Samuel heard His voice three times in the stillness of the night. There were many others like Abraham, Moses, Isaiah, and Mary, the mother of Jesus, who responded with the same spirit, saying “Hinneni, Here Am I”. 

Are we as Christians listening and responding well to God’s call? Or are we like Jonah, hearing the call, but running in the opposite direction? God continues to call His people today, not just to hear, but to participate in His work.

The act of listening is our first responsibility. To hear God’s voice clearly, we must create a quiet space where His voice can be recognized as we commune with Him in worship.  When we align ourselves with God’s will, we become more sensitive to His leading and are better able to support His work spiritually.

There are many practical ways, grounded in scripture, in which we can respond “Hinneni, Here Am I”. 

• Live a Christ-like life – “Have the same mindset as Christ.” (Philippians 2:5)

• Surrender fully to Him – “It is no longer I who live…” (Galatians 2:20)

• Love and serve others – “Serve one another humbly in love” (Galatians 5:13)

• Share the gospel – tell others about salvation found in Jesus (Matthew 28:19-20)

• Make disciples – help others to grow in their faith (2 Timothy 2:2)

• Use spiritual gifts – God gave to each of us a unique gift to build up others

• Serve faithfully in church – through teaching, volunteering, and accepting the call to serve

• Obey God’s personal call – “For I know the plans I have….” (Jeremiah 29:11)

Responding well to God’s call is essential. Our response deepens our relationship with God and strengthens our faith and trust in Him. God created each of us for a purpose. Ephesians 2:10 reminds us that we are created to do good works.  When we ignore His call, we risk fulfilling the purpose that He has designed for our lives. Our obedience to God’s call is not just a duty; it is an expression of our love for God.

As we contemplate our mission, I invite each of us to be intentional about quieting the noises that may be blocking the call.  In the stillness you carve out each day, listen carefully. God is knocking because He has work for each of us to do. The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.  When you hear His voice, do not hesitate, but in obedience, respond with faith, courage, and conviction, saying, “Hinneni, Here Am I.”

Remember, as you open the door of your heart, God has promised that He will come in and abide with you and lead you. Maranatha - “The Lord is coming!”

Sis. Darlene Deveaux, Member, SBC Women’s Ministries Council