When a Door is Closed... Reflections on Egypt Part 2

The old expression goes "When a door is closed, God opens a window." This has never been more evident to me that on this trip to Egypt. I think about all of the frustrations I have had in life, particularly ones in ministry. It's so easy to quit and give up. I must confess that I do succumb to this temptation from time to time. But that is not what is expected of us in the Bible.

God wants us to persevere. I can't help but think of these words in the letter to the Hebrews: "There fore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God" (12:1-2, NRSV).

Egyptian Christians know something about perseverance. I see the task they have and it appears insurmountable. They are not worried. Their trust is in the Lord. They know that God is in control. Their faith and attitude was an encouragement to me and to all the members of our team. We heard time and time again, "Where there is an obstacle, there is an opportunity!" What a demonstration of Christian maturity!

What are the obstacles in your life? In what have you put your trust? Is it in the economic system? Is it in the things of this world? Or have you put your trust in the One who loves you so much, He was willing to lay down His life so that you might have abundant, eternal life?

As we are in this season of Lent, I hope you are taking this time to reflect upon the sacrifice of our Savior. We each have different obstacles to our faith lives. The obstacle for each of us, however, is our own sin, or as it is stated in Hebrews, the "sin that clings so close." The opportunity that is given to each of us is to welcome Jesus into our life again. My hope and prayer, as we approach our Easter celebration, is that you might see the window He has opened especially for you and that you might lay aside every weight and run with perseverance to Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of your faith!