Open doors

Sometimes You open doors to teach us, to draw us closer to You, and to draw others along the same path. Every open door is a call to be bigger in faith and trust Your timing. "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way." — Psalm 37:23

At times, You close doors or remove individuals and things from our lives — not to punish us, but to protect us and guide us along the path You've ordained for us. What we feel is loss is probably Your means of leading us to something greater. For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future." — Jeremiah 29:11

At times, You bring individuals to our lives for a season. They do not stay, but their time among us is not wasted. You place them in our lives so that we can be light, a listener, or simply a prayer warrior. "Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." — Galatians 6:2

And when You summon people away, but their names still remain in our hearts, that is no coincidence. It's a call to pray for them, even if we have no clue what they're enduring. "The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results." — James 5:16

Lord, You also give us adversity — not to break us, but to strengthen us. In each trial, You teach us to trust in You, to live in faith, and to find our power in surrender. "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance." — James 1:2-3

Your grace upholds us in our frailty, and Your power is most clearly seen in our frailty. "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness." — 2 Corinthians 12:9

The things You are teaching us aren't even for us. So many times, what we go through is the very testimony that comes back around and encourages somebody down the road in life. Our struggles become another person's encouragement; our own testimony becomes somebody else's hope.

"He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others." — 2 Corinthians 1:4

Even though we do not know why the storms are, we trust that You are doing it for good. "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him." — Romans 8:28

So, Lord, make us still, have faith in Your hand in both ends and starts. Thank You for shaping us — not just for our own growth, but so we can take others closer to You. "Be still, and know that I am God." — Psalm 46:10

Amen.