Courage Under Fire: Behind Closed Doors

by Marilynn Chadwick There is strength in getting alone with God. Time with the Lord increases our courage. Jesus knew this full well. The Bible tells us he “withdrew often” to be alone with the Father (Luke 5:16). How much more should we? There’s no more important task on earth than seeking God. When trouble hits, I've learned to go into my room, shut the door, and seek God through his Word and prayer. Sometimes God may close doors in our life so that we have the time and space we need to draw close to him. We get alone to shut God in, and to shut other things—like distractions and discouragement—out. Think about it. Some of God’s greatest miracles have happened behind closed doors: A man named Jairus, a synagogue leader, came and fell at Jesus’ feet, pleading with him to come to his house. His only daughter, a girl of about twelve, lay dying. While Jesus was still speaking to the group, Jairus received word that his daughter had died. Jesus said to him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed” (Luke 8:41-50 NIV). “When Jesus arrived at the house of Jairus, he did not let anyone go in with him except Peter, John, and James, and the child’s mother and father” (Luke 8:51). In other words, Jesus shut the door. He shut some things in. And he shut others out. Then Jesus took the little girl by the hand and said to her, “My child, get up!” (v. 54). Her “spirit returned,” and at once she stood up, fully revived. We see another shut door in 2 Kings 4:18-37. A young boy suddenly died and his mother ran to the prophet Elisha for help. When the prophet returned, he found the boy dead on the couch. Elisha shut the door. The prophet prayed fervently and the boy was restored to life. Yet another miracle behind closed doors! So when you are worried, weary, or when you need fresh courage, that may be the time to strengthen yourself in the Lord. Remember to go to your room and shut the door to be alone with God. But take heart. Some of God’s greatest miracles occur behind closed doors.