My Open Gate Experience

This week I had an experience that felt like a vision.

Part of my job is to go out into the community and invite people to check out my business. Many of the neighborhoods I visit have big trees and one story brick houses reasonably valued.

I was strolling along in one of these charming neighborhoods in the breezy seventy five degree weather with birds chirping, and butterflies fluttering about when I noticed something unusual. 

Across the street was a lavish multimillion dollar estate, on several acres, surrounded by a fence and complete with a gate. The gate, however, was wide open. 

The Hebrew year is about to change. Prophetically we are entering the year of "The Open Door." 

I was struck by the symbolism and decided, I would respond to the invitation and go introduce myself. 

It was less about an earthly exchange and more about a prophetic act. It appeared no one was home so I was especially relaxed. 

Just as I crossed the threshold, I was struck by fear. It was not a fear of man or fear of danger and I sensed the fear was not to be despised.  The driveway was long and gave me time to take in the beauty of the estate. The grounds and dwelling were even more breathtaking than the view from the street.  

Finally I made it to the front door and rang the bell. As suspected no one was home but I proceeded to wait just to make sure. 

Then I did something I never do, I left my business card at the front door. My thought was I may never have another opportunity inside this gate again, so why not. 

It felt good to have an opportunity to match my faith with action, but I wondered why I experienced fear.

Immediately I was reminded of a friend's encounter years earlier. She had been summoned to join the Father in the courtroom of heaven. She was ready to boldly enter as Esther did when she heard the Lord say, "You must enter as a child." To my friend's surprise this proved to be a difficult task for her and took three days to do so. 

At the end of the day I reviewed the two experiences in my head and asked the Lord if there was more He wanted me to grasp. He reminded me of my business card. 

I feel the Lord is saying:

In this year of the open door you have access through the fear of the Me and through coming to me as a child. There will be an invitation but not a direct call to enter. Be careful to respond to the subtle nudges of My Spirit. If you enter, you will experience My peace and be able to lay down the mere reflections of your identity. Laying down will be the first step for what I have for you. You don't need to know the next step but can proceed with joy. The open doors belong to those who are and will stay sensitive to Me, even more tender than ever before. This will take prioritizing Me in every moment.