Closed Doors Aren't the End of the Story

My heart raced as I tapped the return key to publish a post on social media. It shouldn't be this way, I thought. It shouldn't be so nerve-wracking to invite people to stand up for {the unborn, religious freedom, insert cause here}. And yet, here we are, I sigh while making the Sign of the Cross in anticipation of backlash.

"If the world hates you, realize that it hated me first," whispers Jesus to my heart (from John 15:18). Not exactly the consolation I wanted.

Lord, You know I hate confrontation. I want to stick with things that make people smile . . . not challenge them.

At first the comments were respectful. Then came the challenge not only to the article, but to me personally. I did my best to respond with charity and questions to encourage a dialogue. Insults came back at me.

Lord . . . why? I continued a silent conversation with Jesus as my heart ached and my mind criticized my decision to share that post. Jesus' response was the same: a quiet reminder that He was hated first.

I don't feel better. I don't feel strengthened to dust myself off and rejoin the battle for truth and goodness.

Instead, I look back at the previous failures to defend Christ, the failed attempts to start small fellowship groups, the closed doors in my life as I try to be a disciple. It all looks sad and discouraging.

It's hard to know why the Spirit moves in some places and doesn't allow us into others. Even Saint Paul found his way blocked from time to time (see Acts 16:1-10). But the closed doors weren't the end of the story for Saint Paul's ministry, nor was the hate from the world the end of the story for Jesus.

Sisters, that is encouraging. The story doesn't end with rejection or because of our weakness. The Holy Spirit continues to work through us. Pray with me today to see the open doors and take courage in sharing Jesus' love and truth. Where is He reminding you of this in your life today?

Take courage. // Gina FensetererClick to tweet

listen to today’s devotion

Holy Spirit, breath over me the graces of courage and fortitude.