God will close many doors in your lifetime, but he will also open many windows.
Sometimes we feel like we are rolling along in the right direction and everything seems fine, when suddenly…God shuts a door and an opportunity is lost. These situations leave us feeling confused, a little bit off track and questioning our purpose and direction.
This can be true in our careers, our dating lives, our health, our ministries, waiting for a loan for the “perfect” house, signing a book contract, getting in to see the right doctor, acceptance to our dream college…you name it. Doors get closed.
The key to coping with closed doors is understanding they were closed for a reason. You may never know the reason until you meet with God one day, or when the window of opportunity opens and you fly through it, suddenly, it may be very clear to you why the door was closed! You will have an “aha” moment.
- Are you resilient enough to withstand closed doors?
- How do you react when things don’t turn out the way you planned?
Sometimes God will close a door for our own protection. Sometimes he will close a door because he has something entirely better and more suited for you and sometimes he closes doors because he has a unique purpose for you in another area, another opportunity. Perhaps there is someone who you are supposed to meet or make a heavenly connection with as you seize a different opportunity.
- Closed doors grow our faith.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6
- God may have said “no” to your “something” because he plans to say “yes” to something better!
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.” Psalm 32:8
- Develop a close enough TRUST relationship with God that you recognize his voice and are receptive and aware of his guidance.
“Whether you turn to the right or the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying, ‘”this is the way; walk in it.”‘ Isaiah 30:21
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for closed doors. Closed doors cause my faith to stretch. Closed doors stretch my spiritual muscles and my trust in you. Closed doors take the focus off my plan and leave me looking to you for your plan. Thank you for making each day new and for new beginnings, new hope. Thank you for supplying me with the wisdom to understand the things I cannot change and the ability to understand that you close doors for a reason. Please continue to guide my path. I am eternally grateful that I have a loving Father who is willing to close doors for my own protection, growth and opportunity. Amen.
- Is there a time when you have had a door closed on a dream?
- If so, take some time today to recount your thoughts and reactions.
- How have closed doors grown your faith?