Do you allow God to open your doors for you? Or do you open your own doors?
Opening doors for people has become almost second nature to us. When we grasp a door handle, we feel costumed to keep it open for the multitude of people behind us. Why? Because, it is the right thing to do in that particular situation. The same could be said about walking through doors that people have opened for us. We just walk through without really thinking too much about it. We just say our thank you's and carry on with our day.
What if I were to tell you, that life is full of open doors for each of us and it goes beyond physical doors but spiritual opportunities God has planned for our lives. This concept is new to me. As I have stepped foot in a foreign land that I am not use to, college, I have learned that new adventure equals new opportunities for me.
August 21, 2018 at precisely 3 AM I woke up terrified. I remember getting dressed, and forgetting the little tasks I was use to doing every morning like brushing my teeth, brushing my hair, and even making my bed. I was shaking with fear as a new adventure was about to take place in my life. It was move-in day at Grand Canyon University, a day that I felt was far off became a reality and faster then I ever envisioned it happening. Before I left the doors of my safe shelter at home, I grabbed a book that I received as a graduation present. The book is called, "All The Places To Go How Will You Know" by John Ortberg. This book became an essential aspect of my mental state as I stepped into new doors at my new home at GCU.
This book is about open doors that God has planned for our lives and it walks through different ways to seek them. I knew with a new lifestyle at GCU, there were going to be a heavy amount of open doors set aside by God and I just needed to seek them. However, there was one problem: I hated the uncertainty.
Luke 9:23 "Then he said to them all: 'Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me'"
"Going through open doors means I will have to able to trust God with my future when the path I'm called to take does not look like the obvious one" -John Ortberg
So most people think I have it all together...FALSE. If you truly observed my life you would see how broken it is. Before I moved to GCU, my relationship with Christ was at a low point. I felt entitled to my life and constantly tried to prove to God that I could live my life according to my plan vs. His own. Let me tell you, I lost that battle every time! I more times then not found myself with reality checks by God. He consistently proved His plan for my life to be far greater then my own. Why did I try and live my life according to my plan? Because, it felt safe.
I am a woman of traditions and I like to play it safe. Following my plans for my life meant I had control and there wasn't much left to surprise. However, I am inadequate for that position. I simply am not knowledgeable enough, powerful enough, or smart enough to have that type of leadership in my life. When I moved, I realized it was time to seek God's open doors for my life and the paths he wanted me to take.
Often times I see people step back from His plans. I know, because I have been there. But, why is it that we are willing to go through a plethora of doors here on earth that people advertise or open for us and we step back at the instant moment God has a door for us? No one said it would be comfortable or easy, but I can promise you it would be fulfilling and worthwhile in the end.
God challenges us constantly, but it is all for a bigger purpose. His open doors will make His followers step out of their comfort zones, but there will never be a door opened by God, that will cause you to regret your decision of walking through. Every righteous door you decide to take a chance on will change your life in ways you never could imagine.
Be willing to get dirty for your faith. Be willing to get uncomfortable for your faith. God has plenty of open doors for you right now. All you need to do is open your eyes and be willing to seek and walk through. Be still and listen to the call of the Lord. He is holding the door open for you...will you walk through?
Dear God,
Thank You so much for your unfailing love, mercy, and grace. We are the people we are today because of You and Your constant provision. God I pray that we are able to listen to Your calling and see the doors You have set aside to open for our lives so that we may walk through them and grow into better disciples for You and Your kingdom. God I know that it won't always be comfortable, but it will always be worth it because it is doors opened by You. Lord, we love You so much and I give it all up to You. Amen!
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