Embracing Closed Doors

              Closed doors are not exciting. It is so much easier to embrace open doors and recognize the blessings in those. But I’m finding closed doors can be blessings from God too. But I think accepting closed doors from God requires more faith. We have to trust that while what we can see behind the door looks good, God can see beyond what we can see and what’s down the line is not for our good.
            “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3: 5-6)
 
            Recently, I encountered a closed door in a relationship; and I didn’t see it coming. Rather, let me say I encountered a slammed door in a relationship and I may have seen it coming if I was honest with myself. For awhile God may have been trying to close that door but I kept propping it open. In the gloss and shine of a new relationship I ignored God’s gentle hand prompting me to leave that path and guide me to a new destination; a road I would not be able to travel with that person.

a care-free day in Panama City Beach, FL

          As God allowed me a glimpse behind the door He closed, I saw abandonment and myself deterring from the path He had laid out for me. And while I don’t know exactly where God’s taking me I’m sure it’ll be great for me (and you too!)
            “ ‘No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.’” 1 Corinthians 2: 9
            So I’m not saying embracing closed doors is easy or something that happens overnight but I’m willing to fight through the pain and trust that what God has in front of me is far better than anything that is behind me.
            “Many, O Lord my God, are the wonders you have done. The things you planned for us no one can recount to you; were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare.” Psalm 40: 5