Posted: 02/12/2013 at 10:03am | IP Logged

God's Blessings On The Other Side Of The Open Door

By Becky Porter

As I drove up the driveway to our house in the country, I noticed something dark that stood out against the contrast of the white porch, and as I drew closer to the house I quickly realized it was a snake!

It was quite interesting because the snake had interwoven its body in and out of 5 or 6 of the two-by-fours on our porch, positioning its head right next to the framed doorway, or "open door" that I had to go through to get to the package that Fed Ex had dropped off for my husband!

At my approach the snake stiffened its body, and was somehow able to change its shape to appear as a stick, with many ridges and crooked angles running the full length of its body!

I knew with certainty that I was looking at a black snake, but it remained perfectly immobile, even though I was making noise and trying to scare it! It caused me to do a "double take" to make sure I was not imagining what I was seeing, for I had never seen a snake remain so motionless and hold its body in such a rigid and crooked fashion, completely changing its shape and appearance - it was quite fascinating! I got as close as I could safely get (without it "getting" me), and I stared intently at the snake, amused that it actually thought I could not see it!

I really needed to get to the package my husband had been looking and waiting for, so I finally grabbed a small rock and threw it near the snake, but still it did not move or even flinch. I threw a second rock, with the same lack of response.

I then grabbed a very tiny rock and tossed it gently so it would barely touch the snake - just enough to scare it without injuring it. As soon as the tiny rock came in contact with the snake, it immediately jerked its head in a very startled fashion, revealing its true identity as it began to move and untangle its body from the two-by-fours of the porch!

I knew the experience held prophetic significance, and as I wondered about the meaning, this is what came to mind...

God has wonderful blessings for us on the other side of the "Open Door", but we have to remember that just as there were giants in the Promised Land that had to be fought and overcome, so, too, the enemy hovers right next to the open door - trying to intimidate us and cause us to get discouraged and walk away, thus leaving our blessings behind - unopened and untouched. But it is when we take the Rock of the Word of God's truth and make direct contact with the lies and accusations of the enemy, that he quickly recoils and slithers away!

I took special note of the fact that the snake was trying very hard not to be detected as it tried to disguise itself as an ordinary and harmless stick, when in reality snakes have a very painful and sometimes deadly bite! Just like that snake, the enemy hides himself in much the same way by cloaking himself in a disguise of discouragement, defeat, guilt, shame, condemnation, hopelessness and despair, causing us to believe there is no way out of the deep, dark pit we find ourselves in. I have noticed that it seems when we are feeling the most discouraged; often we are only a step or two away from our breakthrough!

I have heard it said that this is the year of the open door. God has amazing blessings in store for us if we will go through the open door He has placed before us and if we will enter into the Promised Land He has prepared for us. We must not back down or step aside, but we need to press in and grab hold of what is rightfully ours - our freedom, our healing, our deliverance and our destiny! Just like the package on the porch of my home - God has our name on the gifts He has already delivered to us and He is waiting for us to come and get them!

Some of us have been battling difficult circumstances for such a long time that we have grown weary and begun to believe the lie, (that others may enter, but the Promised Land is beyond our reach), but don't believe that lie, for there is a Promised Land for each one of us. Jeremiah 29:11 states: "For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."

God will give you the land you are courageous enough to enter, and He will part the Jordan River for you when you put your feet in!

Joshua 1:9 NIV

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."

Joshua 1:3 NIV

"I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses."

Joshua 3:15-16a NIV

Now the Jordan is at flood stage all during harvest. Yet as soon as the priests who carried the ark reached the Jordan and their feet touched the water's edge, the water from upstream stopped flowing.

James 1:17 NIV

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

Philippians 1:6 NIV

Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Becky Porter

lovetoencourage@yahoo.com

Posted: 02/12/2013 at 10:22am | IP Logged

Thank you Becky for posting this.  It's funny that I had the very same experience with a snake last year. When I approached it, it stiffened itself to appear as a stick and even when I moved it, it was stiff.  But then I walked away to get something to move it and as I was coming back I saw it trying to crawl away.  It crawled into the bushes but later on that day I saw that the snake had made it's way out into the open and someone had killed it.  This is definitely not a coincidence.  Father is showing us how the enemy works and the power we have over him.  I'm sensing in my spirit that there are snakes around me and it's just as you said that it's because we're at the door of our promise.  I'm at a place of waiting and in this position many will turn back because they can't hear Father clearly.  But I know this is not the time to turn back.  Just wait on Him, sometimes it's just a test of our patience and endurance.  So don't be discouraged.  Worship Father and give Him praise, stay close to Him during this time.  He is bringing us out.  And remember His promises.....THEY DO NOT CHANGE! Sometimes our emotions get in the way and I remember Him telling me that it's not what it seems like, it's not what it feels like, it's not what sounds like and it's not what it looks like....it's what He said.  Hold on to the Truth of His Word because it's only Truth that makes us free.

Thank you my sweet sister,

Quo

Posted: 02/14/2013 at 6:39am | IP Logged

Hi Becky,

Thanks for your encouragement once again. I can identify so much with your words. recently have been involved in organising prayer for revival in our city and feel that the enemy is seeking to discourage through his lies. Thanks Becky

Posted: 02/14/2013 at 7:03pm | IP Logged

Hi Quo & Becky, thanks for your encouragement!  It means a lot, especially at this critical time.  I'm so thankful that He is able to show us the enemy's tactics & we can see them more clearly...sometimes they still work to temporarily move us off course from focusing on His heart, but He is faithful to return us to that place of hiddenness & rest in Him.  I think what you said Quo is so valid...we've been hidden in Father under His protection & the enemy hasn't seen the changes or the work below the surface He's done in us so the enemy tries the same old tricks, believing they still have us held in bondage.  But, Father is so good, & He's gotten at the roots, removed them, set us free, matured us & allowed us to see the enemy more clearly...like your snakes!  Can't be fooled by the old 'act like a twig' strategy!  :)  

Let's continue encouraging each other until we're all on the other side! 

You too David, keep pressing through, may Father's will be clearly shown to your group & may you all bring the Victory of His Kingdom to bear upon your community & beyond!