Don’t stop praying

December 11, 2006

By William E. Richardson

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock” (Revelation 3:20, NKJV).

No matter how many years you’ve been praying for someone to become a Christian, don’t stop. God is working, even when you don’t see visible improvement.

God doesn’t want anyone to die without knowing Him. It’s His will that everyone repent and serve Him (2 Peter 3:9). But He doesn’t force anyone. I’m persuaded Jesus keeps knocking until a person either decides to accept and follow Him, or they die without Him.

Each individual must choose to open his or her heart’s door. That truth is represented in living color in the 19th-century painting “The Light of the World.” It shows Jesus knocking on a door, a lantern in hand. A close look at the painting reveals there is no outside latch for Jesus to use. The person inside must open the door in response to Jesus’ knock.

How wonderful that Jesus doesn’t stop knocking when someone doesn’t open their life to Him right away. Jesus persists, year after year, in a variety of ways.

Jesus knocks when a person attends the funeral of a friend or family member. He knocks when someone is overwhelmed by any kind of disaster. He knocks when a person has a near-death experience. He knocks at the heart’s door of people who get into trouble with the law.

For some people, Jesus’ knock is more audible during financial stress or marital problems or personal illness. He knocks when a person is disillusioned about life in general.

Jesus also knocks on a person’s heart during positive times. He knocks when an unbeliever hears the Christian testimony of someone they respect. When a person is exposed to Christian music, books and film, Jesus knocks.

Every day, some who hear the knock ignore it while others are walking toward the door. Just because you can’t see evidence of it, don’t conclude that a person you’re praying for isn’t about to open the door to Jesus. Some whom you’ve prayed for a long time might be almost ready to answer the door and let Jesus in.

Jesus keeps knocking on the hearts of those we pray for. Sometimes in gentle ways, sometimes in big ways — but He’s knocking, always. Don’t give up hope. Keep praying. Jesus will keep knocking.

William E. Richardson is senior pastor of Afton (Iowa) Assembly of God.