Open Doors

Every day, we are faced with decisions to make. Some may be significant milestones in our lives and others are just ordinary daily decisions. Some decisions are difficult to make, and others may require little thought on our part. Often, it is God who places choices in our path. “Look, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut” (Revelation 3:8). The key is to “look” for those open doors, especially if we struggle to choose between what is the right thing to do and what is not.

Often, God places open doors in our path in life, which eventually lead to greater faith in our lives, particularly when we experience tribulations. However, we frequently neglect to involve God in our decisions. “If any of you is lacking in wisdom, ask God, who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and it will be given you” (James 1:5). Wisdom is always necessary in making decisions in our lives, especially important ones. God can give us insights, which we may not have considered. In addition, we should always wish to do God’s will, which always benefits us. God blesses those who do His will. “I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Choose life so that you and your descendants may live” (Deuteronomy 30:19). Our lives are filled with choices that lead to blessings or curses, depending on whether we obey the will of God. God does not curse us, but if we make poor choices, we often suffer from the consequences of our decisions.

When we are conflicted in making a decision, God will reveal His will to us. “And when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left, your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it” (Isaiah 30:21). How can we know? How can we hear God’s voice? When we resist God’s will, we will remain conflicted, but when we choose God’s will, “the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without a trace of partiality or hypocrisy” (James 3:17). A feeling of peace is a sure sign that we are making the right decision.

If we continue to struggle over our decision or if God places the same open door in our path more than once, we should then consider our motivations for our choices. “All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirit (heart)” (Proverbs 16:2). Are we being selfish? Are we resisting an opportunity for God to work through us? God’s will is always focused on our salvation or the salvation of others. If God opens a door for us, it is because He loves us. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Doors can also be opened by the evil one. We need to recognize temptations when we encounter them. Generally, it is not too difficult to discern temptations, but it is sometimes difficult to recognize openings for us to grow in our faith or to help others grow in their faith. Many times, it is an opportunity to act in love. These can be missed opportunities, if we do not act at all. “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Colossians 3:17).

Examples of open doors may include a change in jobs or residence. God may want to place you in a new environment, where you may bear more fruit or where you may grow in the Christian life. God may introduce you to a person who needs your wisdom or whose wisdom may benefit you. Perhaps a starving homeless person is sitting in front of the store you are about to enter. Perhaps a friend or loved one has taken ill, or maybe a friend is suffering due to a relationship problem. Maybe, you are experiencing hardship, where the wisdom of an outsider may help you put things into perspective. God may open a door for you to reconcile with a family member by asking for forgiveness or by offering forgiveness.

God’s purposes usually involve spiritual growth for us or for others. God is only concerned with our salvation. When those open doors present themselves, consider that God is opening that door, so that we can move closer to Him, closer to His love. When we walk through those open doors, we often discover how much we have been blessed by the experience. Our faith increases because we have encountered God. Our relationship to him becomes more intimate. We are able to trust in our Lord and future hardships become smaller bumps in our road through life. He gives us the strength and courage to persevere. No mountain is too great for God. Usually, deep down in our hearts, we know when the open door leads to our Lord. They are not coincidences. They are part of His plan for our lives. Look for those open doors God places in your path. “Those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you.” (Psalms 9:10). May God bless you and keep you! May you grow in His wisdom and may you enter through those open doors with confidence and with hope!                  

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