I was looking back through my archives and found a blog post I wrote in 2012 titled "Behind Closed Doors." As I reread it, I was struck by how much the message still resonates today, maybe even more so.
Back then, I wrote about the simple truth that behind every closed door, there is both joy and pain, in our seasons for everything life holds. We cannot see through doors, and know really what is happening behind them. But God does.
As Humans all sharing the same sphere of land, and as Christian Introverted Women with hearts to serve, we can find ourselves shrinking back and shy when it comes to random actions that don't make sense to our logic. Until we learn the Powerful Invitation from God to serve.
Because we cannot see through those "doors," we listen for the Holy Spirit's nudges. Have you ever felt that nudge to go here or there, to say something to someone but it doesn't make sense to you?!? To randomly pray for someone who pops into your mind, or you encounter at the store? I used to disregard them thinking it was just me being "too much." But I have learned there is nothing too much about intercession.
Sometimes it's loud and impulsive. Sometimes it's the smallest whispers in one of God's To Do this Week. He might call you to "knock" on a certain door, to send a message, or simply to pray for someone you can't stop thinking about.
There’s a lot of talk these days about not following your feelings, I get that, but we need to also hone into The Spirit’s whispers, moving us place to place.
I think a lot of us are scared to be judged as nosey, or woo-woo, too spiritual. Fear and insecurity get really loud and logical when we are called Up. The gift of intercession is the blessing of being used by God. Our prayers and The Gift of Presence can mean so much to someone in times of need. When the good stuff is happening, everyone knows. When the hard stuff happens, no one knows.
When you knock, you may find a joy to celebrate, or a heart to care for. Only God knows what is on the other side of that door. Our part is simply to be available, and trust that He will lead us. We don't need to know all the answers or the full story. We just need to be willing to be a vessel for His love and grace. Here is where we lean in, walk by faith and surrender our will to His. To be available.....
Maybe YOU are the one curled up on the couch behind that closed door, feeling the weight of the world on your shoulders. I know how hard it is when you are the Encourager, the Leader. Be encouraged knowing that the Father above sees you. You are not alone. He is your help in times of need too, and there is no one who loves you more than the Lord God. It is so important that you pray for your Inner Circle, not the ones you step into for others, but your own. You cannot do life, or ministry alone. I mean technically, you can, but you are not called to. We need each other.
Listen, God will send people to you too, just as He has sent you to them, discern their presence, and open the door accordingly, and let them in. You are not letting everyone in, it's not a block party. But for those whom He has sent to you, let them in.
You are not immune to the dry seasons, the fires and the hardship. If anything, those of us who Lead and Shepherd others are extremely threatening to the enemy. Every Believer is on the list.
No matter which side of the door you find yourself on, know that you are not alone…everyone has a door. Follow the nudge and open the door to your heart, as you also seek the hearts on the other side of theirs.
"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28
"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior." Isaiah 43:2-3
May God find us faithful when He nudges us to go, trusting that He is in control and will provide everything we need to be His hands and feet behind closed doors.
What door is God nudging you to knock on today, or perhaps, to open?
For every heart behind every door, God Loves You, Sees you, Hears you and LOVES YOU!!!!!
Big hearts hugs,
Michele
If today's encouragement hugged your HEART today, let me know in the comments or meet me over
in my Facebook Sisterhood Community! Feel free to share this blog with a friend who needs a heart hug too!
This is how YOU get to hug my HEART back!
Heart Hugs and Blessings,
Michele
Embracing Forgiveness and Love: Lessons from the Resurrection
In the aftermath of Easter, many of us find ourselves reflecting on the profound lessons of the resurrection. This period is not just a celebration of renewal but also a time to embrace the virtues of forgiveness and love, as exemplified by Jesus Christ.
When Love Becomes "Revenge"
The resurrection story teaches us a powerful paradox: sometimes the greatest "revenge" isn't revenge at all, but rather a demonstration of radical love. When Jesus rose from the dead after being betrayed and crucified, He didn't seek retribution against those who wronged Him. Instead, He offered forgiveness and reconciliation. This unexpected response to betrayal shows us that love can be the most transformative force in overcoming evil.
As the apostle Paul reminds us in Romans 12:21, "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." This principle stands at the heart of the Christian faith and offers us wisdom for our daily interactions.
Choosing Forgiveness When Hurt Runs Deep
We've all experienced betrayal, hurt, or injustice that stirs our desire for revenge. The natural human instinct when wounded is to strike back. Yet the resurrection narrative challenges this reflexive response.
Jesus, despite having divine power at His disposal, chose the path of loving kindness. Even from the cross, He prayed, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34). This example sets a high standard for how we might respond when wronged.
Forgiveness doesn't mean condoning harmful actions or remaining in unhealthy situations. Rather, it's about releasing ourselves from the prison of bitterness and allowing God's healing to work in our hearts.
Love as a Dividing Line
Interestingly, love serves as both a unifier and a divider. It draws together those who embrace its principles while sometimes creating separation from those who reject them. This doesn't mean we withhold love from anyone, but rather that living by love's principles may distinguish us from prevailing cultural norms.
When we choose love as our "revenge," we participate in transforming not only our personal relationships but potentially our communities and beyond. Every act of forgiveness creates ripples that extend far beyond the initial interaction.
Living with Grace: Self-Control, Patience, and Mercy
Embracing resurrection principles in daily life requires cultivating specific virtues:
- Self-control allows us to pause before reacting with anger
- Patience gives others space to grow and change
- Mercy extends compassion even when it isn't deserved
These qualities don't come naturally but develop through intentional practice and spiritual growth. The resurrection reminds us that with God's help, we can embody these virtues even in challenging circumstances.
Practical Steps for Resurrection Living
1. Reflect Before Reacting
When someone hurts or offends you, take a moment to breathe and consider your response. Ask yourself: "How might love respond here?" This pause can prevent words or actions you might later regret.
2. Seek God's Kingdom First
Jesus taught us to "seek first the kingdom of God" (Matthew 6:33). When we align our priorities with divine values, responses of forgiveness and love become more natural. This spiritual foundation nurtures the fruits of faith, hope, and love in our lives.
3. Embrace Daily Renewal
The resurrection isn't just a historical event but a model for daily renewal. Each morning offers a fresh opportunity to:
- Purify our hearts from resentment
- Walk in mercy toward others
- Choose love over revenge
4. Practice Purposeful Forgiveness
Forgiveness is rarely a one-time decision but often a process of daily surrender. When memories of hurt resurface, recommit to your choice to forgive and ask for divine help in maintaining that commitment.
The Ultimate "Revenge"
Perhaps the most powerful aspect of resurrection living is how it transforms not only situations but people. When we respond to hatred with love, to cruelty with kindness, we participate in God's redemptive work in the world.
This approach to life offers freedom from the exhausting cycle of anger and retribution. It creates space for healing and reconciliation that revenge can never achieve. In this way, love becomes the ultimate "revenge" against everything that seeks to destroy and divide us.
As we continue to reflect on the resurrection's meaning, let's challenge ourselves to apply its principles to our daily interactions. When faced with opportunities for revenge, may we remember the example set for us and choose the more excellent way of love.
God Love YOU!!!!!
If you want to be a rebel and share YOUR story with the world, I have a free worksheet that can help you! Grab it HERE at www.Sharingmystory.com
We are H.I.S. (Hearts in Surrender)
Blessings,
Michele
If today's encouragement hugged your HEART today, let me know in the comments or meet me over
in my Facebook Sisterhood Community! Feel free to share this blog with a friend who needs a heart hug too!
This is how YOU get to hug my HEART back!
Heart Hugs and Blessings,
Michele
