The Door of Obedience

What door is God asking you to walk through?

For me, it's the door of obedience. He is asking me to be obedient to what he is putting on my heart, knowing it will not be without challenges. Remember God doesn't promise us an easy life, but he does promise to be with us and strengthen us. I think this is why I find Isaiah 41:10 so comforting. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

The Bible says when we do not conform to this world we will see God's will for our lives, this alone is a challenge in itself isn't it? Being human and not conforming to this world takes true discipline.

Romans 12:1-2

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will.

I love how Revelations reminds us that when we have the favor of God, nothing can keep us from receiving it. Revelation 3:8 I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.

Have you experienced closed doors? Paul explains what we should do every time we face a closed door. Philippians 3:13-14 Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Our challenge is to walk away from our closed doors and focus on the door God is opening for us. We're not always meant to get answers to our why questions, instead we should accept that we won't always know and despite that we can still have a fulfilling life.

Revelation 3:20

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.

When my job ended and our son died both times I kept telling myself everything happens for a reason and I tried not to focus on the "why's" and by keeping this perspective it has allowed me to pay attention to the doors that God IS opening for me. I no longer regret my closed doors, I am grateful for them because they have led me to where I am today.

My closed doors are a part of my journey they had lessons that God wanted me to learn. I know when I get to heaven the why questions won't matter anymore. So I encourage you to pay attention to what is in front of you not behind you because God is waiting for you to answer the door. Will you answer?

John 10:9

I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture.

Every open door gives us the opportunity to become closer to God.

Are you willing to step out of your comfort zone and walk through the door that looks unfamiliar?

Friends, don't miss out on God's favor by looking at your closed door too long...

Written by: Jill Theriault

Crossroads Coaching - @crossroadscoachingongodstime