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I talked with someone a few days ago about limitations and moving forward. This person had endured a lot of loss, hardship, and disappointment. Doors of opportunity seemed closed. She wasn’t sure if she was motivated to move beyond the barriers of her past, but by her own admission, she was ready for something to change. She needed to move past the empty room of fear and into the sanctuary of courage.
I asked her to consider some things:
- What’s really holding you back?
- Are circumstances hindering you, or are you hindering you?
- Why do you doubt that it’s your time?
- What’s the worst thing that can happen as you approach that door?
- Do you realize broken, stuck, or closed doors don’t hamper God?
“But how do I know if what’s beyond the door is really any better than where I’m at now?”
*Palm to forehead*
Okay. If you’re asking that, that’s good. Kind of.
It means you’re using good reasoning skills.
It also means that you’re allowing the enemy to prompt self-doubt. Again.
Call me Cinderella, but I believe in happy endings. More importantly, I believe in something bigger than the fairy-tale: the truth of scripture.
God’s word tells us that we weren’t meant to live a life of mediocrity. Doors, windows, and even crawl spaces may be closed for a season, but when the timing’s right, those things that once inhibited us will become passageways to success.
Our long, lonely trials by fire will become God-breathed blips of refinement!
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The broken door will be fixed. And painted.
The stuck door will be loosened. And primed.
The closed door will open. And as you step through it, your countenance will shine.
You’ll reflect faith, resiliency, and restoration because you survived the wait. You endured the desert. You stared down the door as God opened it.
“And the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast. To Him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.” (1 Peter 5:10-11 NIV)
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Have you ever faced closed doors?
What has God taught you about His timing?
Comments 6
This is so beautiful, Cynthia. I love your heart and hope in this post. It makes me think about Romans 5:3-5 “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” The hallmark of our faith in Christ is Hope. You’re a good friend to encourage her on to hope.
Author
Gabe, love that scripture, too! Isn’t God’s word awesome?! Even on our most difficult days, He inspires us to press on.
Your sweet spirit touches me.
About His timing–it usually involves WAITING for Him, not running ahead.
Author
Patti, you’re right. We tend to forget that sometimes.
Wow, I really needed this today! Thank you for pulling it out of the archives at just the right time. God is good. 🙂
Author
Dana, I’m so glad it was a blessing to you!