Though it's been more than twenty years, I'm still not sure who was more scared when Ron opened the door—he or I. I was on my first night of going door-to-door, working through the neighborhood to meet people. Eventually this would take me to 950 homes, but Ron's house was number six. First night, sixth house. I was pretty nervous.

My goal was to do a brief survey and leave. But Ron—silver-haired, five-foot-seven, overweight, professionally dressed, squinting a little and blinking a lot—well, he kept asking questions. Twenty minutes into the discussion I finally said, "Hey, this may sound a little forward, but—would you ever want to meet for coffee or something, to talk more about faith?"

Ron said, "Well, I think we have to do that, because for the past year I've been praying for God to send someone to me to lead me out of this dark time in my life." It's a little overwhelming to be the answer to someone's prayer.

The apostle Peter tells us that sanctification is not something we make happen; it is something we are chosen for, by God. God sees us, targets us, and takes action within us. It is his eternal work.

God was calling Ron. God is calling you too. Are you going to open the door?