“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.” Matthew 7:7-8
There was a time not so long ago when I let the doors that slammed shut in my face slam my self-esteem with crushing blows. I had not learned yet that closed doors were simply part of God directing my paths.
I had not learned yet that closed doors were an integral part of God’s design to lead me to the plans He has for me. It was God’s way of saying, “No, don’t go there. That’s not part of my plan for you. No, don’t go there either, it’s not time yet.” I eventually learned when God put a stop in my path that He was sometimes doing it to say, “No, don’t go there, I am preparing you for something else.”
The Lord reminded me to trust Him and to keep asking, keep seeking, keep knocking. He promised me a time will come when a door will be opened, and then I will understand why He had to close a few other doors before opening the very special door He had prepared for me. My heavenly Father reminded me over and over that I must completely, wholly trust Him. He repeatedly reminded me—because I was guilty of being a slow learner—but I did gradually learn this important truth He was teaching me.
He also reminded me to look beyond the closed doors, beyond the circumstances that confused me, and look ahead and know that what lies ahead was appointed for His purpose to be accomplished in His perfect time.
When we believe that God has a plan for our lives, it is easier to understand the doors He closes for reasons we may never be made aware of and watch for the open doors He has waiting for us as we continue to live our lives fully surrendered to His ways.
There comes a day when we are glad for the doors God has closed, and He shows us once again how perfectly He orders our steps to fulfill the plans He’s made for the open doors.
Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
By Kathy Cheek
Used by Permission
Devotions from the Heart
www.kathycheek.com
Comments: If you don’t see our response form, please go to http://thoughtsaboutgod.com/blog/kathy-cheek_closed-doors/
Learn more about knowing Jesus at: http://thoughtsaboutgod.com/four-laws/
Subscribe to Daily Devotionals by Email
