Let Him In
Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
and He will make straight your paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6, NIV
I discovered this true story that spoke volumes to my journey through Lent and life.
In the early 1800s, as fear of war swept across Germany, young men were being drafted and sent away to uncertain futures. One day, a weary soldier knocked on the heavy oak door of a village church. He had only one request: to play the great pipe organ for just one hour before returning to the front lines.
The elderly caretaker hesitated. The organ was precious. It was kept locked. No stranger was allowed to touch it. But the young man pleaded, “This might be my last chance.”
Finally, the caretaker handed him the key.
The first chord unfurled through the sanctuary, rich and full, and the very air seemed to tremble. The old caretaker stood still, his hand resting on the pew, tears quietly tracing the lines of his weathered face. Outside, the rhythm of ordinary life began to pause. Doors left slightly open, tools laid down mid-task while neighbors followed the sound and slipped into the sanctuary, settling into the pews in reverent hush.
When the music ended and the young soldier returned the key, the caretaker asked his name. “Felix,” he replied. “Felix Mendelssohn.”
The old man’s eyes widened; his heart soared as he realized whose hands he shook. “To think,” he wondered aloud, “the master himself was here, and I almost failed to give him the key.”
Just as the organ loft had a door, so does each of us.
Who do we let in, of the many voices and influences that knock at that door of our hearts? I know I can sound like the caretaker clutching the key while I respond to Christ’s gentle invitation with “Later,” or “Not that part of me,” or “I’m quite comfortable where I am, thank you.”
But how can Christ transform us if we don’t first let Him in. How can the music of His Word daily renew our minds? How can the chords of His voice pierce through the noise if we do not pray and listen for His wisdom? How does His character ever emerge within us if we do not sit with His teachings long enough to let His character take root within our very being? How do we serve where He will best use our gifts, talents and resources If we do not trust Him enough to let Him take our lives wherever He leads.
Transformation requires access. It requires surrendering to Christ the key.
Over time, I’ve discovered that as we keep surrendering, the outline of Christ Himself begins to emerge in unexpected places and ways. As I read Scripture, pray honestly, and study and serve alongside other believers, Christ’s heart starts reshaping mine. Not perfect, but I noticed that I have a bit more patience here, a spark of compassion there. A new tenderness toward others. A conviction to forgive. A quiet courage to obey or forge into the unknown.
The Master is always here, knocking. But will we let Him in? It's a choice.
Reflect: In what ways have you kept parts of your life “locked,” hesitant to give Jesus full access? What would it look like this week to intentionally hand Him the key—through deeper study, honest prayer, or obedience to something He’s already shown you?
Will you pray with me? Lord Jesus, You stand at the door of my heart and knock, patient and full of grace. Forgive me for the times I’ve hesitated, guarded, or said “later.” I don’t want to keep You at a distance but choose to lean in closer. Teach me to know Your voice. Draw me into deeper prayer. Give me courage to surrender all the places I still cling to. Here is the key, Lord. Shape me, change me, and make something beautiful of my life. Amen.
By His grace,
Gloria Ashby
Lay Leader