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Topic: Doors (04/05/04)
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TITLE: When One Door Closes By Tami Wyant 04/10/04 |
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We've all likely heard the saying, 'when one door closes, another one opens.' I'm sure many of us have had experiences that lend credence to the adage. Perhaps you have lost a much desired job only to have an even better one come along. Maybe a relationship you thought would lead to marriage failed, leaving you emotionally devastated, but then someone came into your life who changed everything. Maybe you lost out on an opportunity that left you frustrated only to have something even more wonderful come along later on.
I wonder though, how many times we have missed out on the bigger, better blessings God has for us because we were doggedly fighting to keep door A open, and by doing so, prevented door B from opening or merely overlooked door B altogether. So often, we are so determined to hang on to what we already have that we can't even begin to fathom what else God has in store for us. We like the rhythm of our life as it is. We don't want to move forward, change, grow or stretch. We're satisfied to remain right where we are, to be stagnant in our development as Christians.
But when we come to Christ, there are going to continually be doors that we must close in order to open others that will lead us into that deeper, more intimate relationship we should desire with Him. In Ephesians 4:22-24 (NIV), we are told 'with regard to (our) former way of life, to put off (our) old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of (our) minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.' This is closing the door on the way we use to be, changing the way we live, the way we think about certain things, the way we handle ourselves in particular situations and the way we look at life itself. In doing this, other doors open to us.
As Christian women, we need to close the door on attitudes and behaviors that are contrary to God's desire for us. 'God sent his chosen Son ...because God wanted to bless (us) and make each of (us) turn away from (our) sin.' (Acts 3:26 CEV) When we hang on to bitterness, anger, jealousness, selfishness and pride, we hinder the doors of happiness, joy, contentment, peace and love from opening in our lives. Most of us know that we are to 'get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of malicious behavior.' (Ephesians 4:31 NLT) Getting rid of these things in our lives requires a constant, conscious, deliberate effort. Each time the door opens to these undesirable feelings or behaviors, we must slam it shut immediately. '...Sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it.' (Genesis 4:7 NIV) We do not master sin in our own power, but rest assured,"...sin is no longer (our) master, for (we) are no longer subject to the law, which enslaves (us) to sin. Instead, (we) are free by God's grace.' (Romans 6:14 NLT) We only need to close the doors on those things that lead us to sin. We need to '...let God work his will in (us). Yell a loud no to the devil and watch him scamper. Say a quiet yes to God and he'll be there in no time. Quit dabbling in sin. Purify (our) inner (lives). Quit playing the field. Hit rock bottom, and cry your eyes out. The fun and games are over. Get serious, really serious. Get down on your knees before the Master; it's the only way you'll get on your feet.' (James 4:7-10 MSG)
But it isn't just the door to sin that we need to move through and close. We also need to open ourselves up to growth in Christ. When we are satisfied to be 'babies' in Christ, we never discover the joy of a mature relationship with Him. We need to be constantly '...grow(ing) in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ...' (2 Peter 3:18 NIV). '...Everything is else is worthless when compared with the priceless gain of knowing Christ Jesus (our) Lord...' (Philippians 3:8 NLT) '(We) must crave pure spiritual milk so that (we) can grow into the fullness of (our) salvation.' (1 Peter 2:2 NLT) We cannot be lukewarm in our relationship with Christ. Revelation 3:16 warns that those who are neither hot nor cold will be vomited out. We cannot live our lives with the door of world halfway open...one foot in and one foot out.
We need to close the door on those things that distract or prevent us from chasing hard after God. It can be as simple as managing our time better so we do not neglect our prayer life. It can be opening our scope of possibility to see that God may have a new direction for us to take...a new mission field...a new ministry to other believers...a new call to serve...a fresh view of our anointing in Him. He doesn't want us to be stagnant and stale, stunted in our spiritual development. We must '...keep working toward that day when (we) will finally be all that Christ Jesus saved (us) for and wants (us) to be.' (Philippians 3:12 NLT) 'Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, (we must) press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called (us) heavenward in Christ Jesus.' (Philippians 3:13-14 NIV). Forgetting what is behind...closing one door...and straining toward what is ahead...allowing God to open another...this is what we are to do as Christians.
In Revelation 3:20-21 (NKJV), we read, 'Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with my Father on His throne.' Opening this door should cause us to eagerly close any others that might in any way interfere with this most excellent blessing.
In Christian love & Standing on God's promises,
~*~Tami~*~