We ask God for open doors. He complies but we just don’t recognize it. We ask for a sign. Imagine a bright shining light on the doorknob and still… we hesitate to open the door. Seriously – what are we waiting for? A personal escort? Guess what – we have ONE. He promises He will be with us always. He said: “…And never forget that I am with you every day, even to the completion of this age.” –Matt 28:20 TPT
Let’s Get Personal. (uh-oh)
I’ve already heard from God on this subject so now it’s your turn. You’ve been praying, asking, pleading, seeking… now it’s time. No longer wondering, you now know which door you are meant to walk through. It’s as if God is shining a bright light on that doorknob and still you hesitate.
You argue that you prayed for an open door – this one appears closed. I repeat, seriously? Not only are you asking for an open door, but you want it to look like what you want it to look like. Perhaps what you really wanted was an easy door. If it were easy, <fill in the blank>.
It’s your door. Open it!
Your next step of instructions is on the other side of faith. As you walk through it, taking your steps of faith your next step will be made clear to you – a call to action.
Truth – the next set of steps will be out of your comfort zone. My own experience has proven that to be true. Why? Because otherwise I wouldn’t need Him. I would believe that I could do it all myself. I confess that there have been times when I’ve thanked God for that open door and have taken off on my own. How prideful of me. To think that God would call me to something I didn’t need Him for. So yes, He’s walking through that door with you, but you must first open the door. Do your part. He’s done His.
Behind that door is a step-by-step plan for you to follow. No, not really. First step is to open the door. Once you do that, the next step will be revealed. You’ll need God’s help to accomplish it. He’s got this. Your role is to trust and obey.
You’ll want to anticipate – to create a reasonable plan. That’s fine. His plan is better. Discuss it with Him (Pray, Listen, Act)
You can’t do this alone. Whatever He’s asked you to do will involve other people. In fact, it will be for the benefit of others and to give Him the glory. All this to say, you may have to ask for help. <<sigh>> Humility required. Consider this… you may be the open door that someone else needs to walk through. When you ask for help, you are allowing that person to walk in their God strength as well. Yet another opportunity to trust God for the outcome by letting go of control.
Side Story.
Years ago, I was waiting for the next step on my latest God adventure. Admittedly I was feeling a bit lonely for human interaction. I wanted to talk about it with those who understood. At the time, there really wasn’t anyone who would “get it” or “get me.” Reading in the Old Testament I ran across the word “remnant.” It spoke to me. I began to pray for the remnant. My definition was someone who was faithful and open to their God calling – someone who understood the stages of walking out a God assignment.
Later that day I attended a Christian business networking group. As soon as the guest speaker began her talk, I knew. Kim was the remnant I was praying for. At the end of the meeting I introduced myself and said, “I’m supposed to get to know you.” Yes, I know – not very eloquent but that’s what came out of me. She said, “When I heard you introduce yourself earlier, I also sensed we were to meet.” We did and we’ve been friends for over 10 years. Both serving in different ministries – connecting at the right times for the right God purpose. The fact that I’m sharing this here must be a reminder for me to check in with her – a precious Divine appointment.
All this to say, you will want prayer warriors to come along side you. You will want those with an ear to listen. Your stories will encourage others to stay faithful on their own course. This for me is yet another reminder that it’s just not about me. Someone else is waiting for me to listen and obey.
What If I Make A Mistake?
Take a wrong turn? You might. I’ve done that but then God… Yes, if we are praying and listening, He either makes the best of our choice or steers us back to where He wants us. Read Psalm 121 (I tried to just share a few lines but it’s just too good – had to share the entire psalm):
“I will lift up my eyes to the hills [of Jerusalem]—From where shall my help come? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to slip; He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel Will neither slumber [briefly] nor sleep [soundly]. The Lord is your keeper; The Lord is your shade on your right hand. The sun will not strike you by day, Nor the moon by night. The Lord will protect you from all evil; He will keep your life. The Lord will guard your going out and your coming in [everything that you do] From this time forth and forever.” -Psalm 121 AMP
Enjoy the Adventure
In Jeremiah 29:11 the Lord promises that He has plans for us – good ones meant for good. Embrace the opportunities that He brings to you. Look beyond your circumstance and allow Him to catapult you to your next God adventure.
This has been another one of those stop-everything-and-write-this-now posts. No editing. In fact, repetitive. Can’t say it enough. Pray. Listen. Obey. Open the door. Take that first step. That’s the deal.
My prayer for you… “Now may the God of peace [the source of serenity and spiritual well-being]…equip you with every good thing to carry out His will and strengthen you [making you complete and perfect as you ought to be], accomplishing in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.” –Hebrews 13:20-21 AMP
The Time is Now
Your God adventures matter. Be encouraged!
Join the Conversation
What was your takeaway from reading this post? How can I best support you? Share in the comments below.
Maggie Sabatier-Smith
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