The Self-Opening Gate

This week I feature my writer pal, Joanne Sher, whom I met through FaithWriters. She's a fun gal who love, love, loves to laugh. And her smile is amazing. Hope you enjoy!

I love the devotional book Streams in the Desert by L. B. Cowman. There's almost always something in there to bless me, to make me think.

Not too long ago, I'd been struggling with taking the next step. I wondered if I was actually following the path the Lord had led me to, or if I was going my own way. I was, in a word, unsure. My path was NOT clear.

As I read through that day's devotional from Cowman, God spoke to me right where I was.

There is a self-opening gate which is sometimes used in country roads. It stands fast and firm across the road as a traveler approaches it. If he stops before he gets to it, it will not open. But if he will drive right at it, his wagon wheels press the springs below the roadway, and the gate swings back to let him through. He must push right on at the closed gate, or it will continue to be closed.

The writer (Henry Clay Turnbull) goes on to explain that our walk with God is just like this. If we find an obstacle in our path, we are not to stop and wait for it to move. We must continue moving forward, and God will move the obstacle for us. Just like the Israelites crossing the Jordan in , we may have to step into the water before the obstacle will go away. Yet, if it is God's will, we will step through on dry ground.

It is much easier, often, to give up, or try to figure out the problem in our own power. Yet, stepping forward in faith, if you are in His will, is clearly the right thing to do. So, in the words of Turnbull:

Is there a great barrier across your path of duty just now? Just go for it, in the name of the Lord, and it won't be there.

So, I need to step forward in faith: work on my book despite the distractions, raise my children in God's way even if it's not easy, exercise my spiritual gifts no matter the difficulties. Once I do, God will move the mountain.

What do You need to step out in faith and do?

 

Joanne is a Jew by birth, a Christian by rebirth, and a writer by gift. A native Southern Californian, she now lives happily in West Michigan with her husband and two school-aged children.

Her first book, still seeking a home, explores God's preparation, protection and provision through her husband's serious health issues. She is also working on a biblical fiction set during King Saul's reign and centered around the handmaiden of Saul's daughter Michal.

She is also a regular blogger, not only at her own site, but at the FaithWriters blog. She also posts monthly at Jewels of Encouragement, The Barn Door, and Internet Cafe Devotions.

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