I Am Rahab…A Door of Hope

by JC Miller

You grew up riding the subways running with people

Up in Harlem, down on Broadway

You’re no tramp, but you’re no lady, talkin’ that street talk

You’re the heart and soul of New York City

“Bing,” stand clear of the closing doors. This northbound 6 train will be delayed because of a signal malfunction…or a good old water main break.

Who knew while straphanging on the IRT that one day I’d be watching deers frolic across my backyard. My window view would change from the dead-end of a brick wall to the majesty of purple mountains. Who knew that the clamor of an NYC block would become the silence of a stary lit night. Although it was exciting to live in the city at that time, the glitz and the glamor had its advantages; it was not my final destination.

God uses our entire being (lives) to display His work in us. Our past inward struggles become outward ministries. As echoed from the pages of the book of Hosea…Only God can transform Achor – a valley of trouble –  into a doorway of hope. I relate to struggling because I know its name: 183rd Street between Morris and Creston. New York City was my Achor. I had to experience the clamor to appreciate the peace. I have a heart toward women because a single mother raised me. Mommy protected us the best she could from the harsh realities of the ghetto – the troubles of the streets.

The valley of Achor (or trouble) was associated with the disgrace and punishment which befell Israel on her first entrance into Palestine (Joshua 7:25-26). Still, it would be regarded as the threshold of a blessed life in the latter days.

And they heaped over Achan a large pile of rocks that remains to this day. So the LORD turned from His burning anger. Therefore that place is called the Valley of Achor to this day.

Joshua 7:26

A large pile of rocks. That’s how my neighborhood looked back in the days. My building sat directly across from two condemned buildings. A lot of rubbage where we played and jumped on dirty mattresses. In Hebrew, this valley of Achor translates into a ‘disturbance.’ Psalms 23 says – Yea though I walk through the valley of death, I will fear no evil for thy art with me. 

Praise God the Lord never left me.

The sorrowful associations of the past were to be illuminated with happy anticipation – a doorway of hope. A door is an opening, an entranceway. Jesus says, Behold, I stand at the door and knock. Jesus’ knock is hope, a cord of expectancy. A ray of golden sun. In all my ways, I shall acknowledge Him and all that He has brought me through. As I sit in a home built on top of a mountain, I know that He has called me out to share the gospel through my words. So, I’ll continue to write on behalf of the Kingdom.

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a future and a hope.

Jeremiah 29:11

“Bing,” the next stop will be the gateway of hope…because I am Rahab too.