“Then Peter began to speak: ‘I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism.’”—Acts 10:34
There’s something powerful about a door swinging open—especially one you thought would stay closed forever. That’s the picture God gives us in Acts chapters 10 and 11. Peter, a devout Jewish man, receives a vision from heaven: a sheet comes down filled with animals that the Law once deemed unclean. Then God speaks, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean” (Acts 10:15). At first glance, it seems to be about food. But spiritually? It’s about people.
Imagine standing in front of a huge door marked “Access Denied.” People walk past you. Some get in. Others tell you, “You don’t belong here.” You’ve tried everything—praying, fasting, proving yourself—but the door remains locked. Now picture this: God Himself reaches down and swings the door wide open. No keypad. No gatekeeper. No list of qualifications. Just grace. That’s what He did for Cornelius, a Roman centurion and a Gentile—a man the religious system would have overlooked. Yet Acts 10:4 tells us, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God.” Cornelius hadn’t followed Jewish customs. He didn’t know all the “church rules.” But he feared God, gave generously, and sought truth—and that was enough for heaven to move.
The church had once been a tight circle, only open to those with the right bloodline or background. But in Acts 10 and 11, God pulls back the chairs and says, “Make room at the table.” Peter realizes this and says in Acts 10:34, “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism.” Later, as he defends God’s divine move, Peter declares, “Who was I to think that I could stand in God’s way?” (Acts 11:17). Sister, if God says you belong—you belong. No one can shut what He opens. No tradition, no trauma, no title, and no label can block your access when God swings that door wide. It’s time to stop trying to earn your way into what grace has already unlocked.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for being the God who opens doors that no one can shut. Just as You welcomed Cornelius and his household, welcome us. Remove every lie that says we’re not worthy, not enough, or not chosen. Teach us to recognize when You are shifting old mindsets and making space for those who seek You—even if they look, speak, or live differently than we expect. Swing open every door You’ve ordained, and give us the boldness to walk through it. In Jesus’ name, Amen.