When God Closes a Door

READ
Acts 16:6-7

CONSIDER
Paul and Silas were on a mission. They had plans, maps, and plenty of enthusiasm. They wanted to head into Asia to preach, but the Holy Spirit kept them from going. Then they tried Bithynia, and again, the Spirit of Jesus said no. It can be frustrating when you have good intentions and a solid plan, but you hit dead ends.

Sometimes we think that doors close because we’ve done something wrong or our faith is too weak. But, God’s grace goes before us, making a way for the right way, even before we can see it. 

Sometimes God says "no" to a good thing because He is preserving you for a God thing. He isn't trying to stifle your fire; He’s directing the heat. Our freedom to choose God means we also have the freedom to submit our best-laid plans to His superior wisdom. A closed door is often just God’s way of saying, "Trust me, I’m looking further down the road than you are."

REFLECT
Have you ever been tempted to think that being a follower of Jesus is all about doing right? Has anyone ever encouraged you to consider that it’s also about waiting right? Being a person of character means trusting that God’s "no" is just as loving as His "yes." It requires a heart that is so in tune with the Spirit of Jesus that we don't get bitter when our plans get redirected.

Think about a time your life went a different direction or wound up in a different destination than you anticipated? What good things came out of that different plan? Thank God for His grace that made that possible.

PRAY
Lord, thank You for the doors You have closed in my life. Give me the patience to wait for your timing and the humility to admit that your plans are better than mine. Amen.