Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. Matthew 7:7-8, NIV

The knocking, or rather banging, on the door seemed quite ridiculous for someone who could easily see that I was teaching a lesson in the classroom. But when I realized it was one of my students from a different class period, I walked over and opened the door anyway. She bolted in, quickly shut the door behind her, and threw herself into me, wrapping her arms around my waist while sobbing and shaking. She had reached her breaking point. She shared with me that she had been tormented by one of her peers all morning. And her feelings of anguish and fear had led her to my door—a door she knew I would open for her if she knocked.

As we stood there for several minutes, I was reminded of the promise Jesus gave us in Matthew 7:7, offering us His comfort in times of stress. I don’t know what my other students were thinking as they watched me comfort this distraught student. We never talked about it. But I do know they left believing that if they knocked, I would open the door for them.

Are you a shelter for your students, imitating the love of Jesus? Do you knock on His door and seek Him in times of trouble?

Dear Lord, lead me to Your door so that I may knock sooner and receive Your protection and security. Let my walk with You be a reflection to my students so that they can use me as a source of comfort and Your name is glorified. Amen.

Copyright Sarah Meals.

Sarah is a member of Christian Educators and a middle/high school math teacher in Pennsylvania.