He Opens and Closes Doors

He Opens and Closes Doors

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.

Revelation 3:8, ESV.

TODAY’S WORD

God opens doors of opportunity before us that no one is able to shut. But we have to realize, sometimes He also closes doors because He has something better in store. We may see a logical opportunity, but just because it’s the logical way doesn’t mean that it’s God’s way. Just because it happened that way before doesn’t mean it’s going to happen that way next time. That’s why you have to stay open and keep trusting in God. If you’re narrow-minded and only look at the door that’s been closed, you may miss the door He has opened behind you!

Friend, when you are able to let go of your own agenda and trust God, He’ll make sure you see those open doors. Scripture says His Word is what lights our path. Our attitude should always be, “God, I surrender all to You. Have Your way in my life. I trust Your timing. God, I trust You to do it Your way.” Then, step back and see the open door He has prepared for you!

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, thank You for ordering and directing my steps. I choose to trust You even when doors close before me. I believe that You have my best interest at heart. I am ready and available. I stand looking for the open door You have for me in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

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Trials Test Your Faith by Rick Warren "These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold." (1 Peter 1:7a NLT) God has promised to “meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:19 NIV). But with every promise there is a condition. God wants you to learn to trust him more so that he can meet your needs and bless your life. You learn to trust God more by having your faith stretched by trials. The more your faith is stretched, the more God is able to bless your life.  You might find yourself experiencing one of the first two trials — the tests of pressure and people. Yesterday, I mentioned two common trials that God uses to develop your faith so you can trust him more. Here are two more: The Persistence Test The persistence test answers the question: "Will I keep my commitments?" Life is about making commitments. The problem we have today is that most people are half committed to two dozen things instead of being totally committed to the one or two things in life that really matter for now and eternity. That’s a waste! Weak people give excuses. Wise people find the time and way to do what they say they will do. Do you want to be a weak person or a wise person? This is a test of the kind of character you’re going to develop.  The Priorities Test This is the most important test, and it asks, "Who will be first in your life?" How do you know if God is really first priority in your life? Ask yourself three questions: What do you think about the most? Where does your money go first? How do you spend your time? Your answers will reveal the priorities in your life.  God has eternal rewards in store for you if you pass these tests: “God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him”(James 1:12 NLT). A crown of life is a symbol of all that God wants to do in your life — all the blessings he wants to bestow on you, all the needs he wants to meet, all the rewards he wants to give you in Heaven. What a deal! Talk It Over How would you rate yourself at following through on commitments? In what areas do you need to simplify so that you can give 100 percent to your commitments? How would you answer the three questions that reveal your priorities? How do you need to change your priorities?