Every so often I come to a crossroads in my life. When God has given me clear direction in advance, those times are a breeze. When He hasn’t shown me what to do, those times are no less exciting – but for an entirely different reason!
What do you do when you come to that fork in the road?
Excited about an opportunity for a hesitating friend, the words rolled out of my mouth, “When God opens a door, I walk through it. Perhaps you need to pray about it!”
Praying about it is the only way to determine if God opened that door for you. The truth is that not every opportunity that presents itself is a door that was meant for you take. God may have opened that door for someone else. When God opens a door for me I walk through it. When I feel that He opened it for someone else, I enjoy watching someone else walk through it. It’s their turn.
Some doors that open are just for you. God has prepared the opportunity with you in mind. He brought you to it, and you need to take it.
How do you know if the opportunity is for you? If you are like me, a great opportunity can be so exciting that your wants and desires for it are a challenge to set aside. It’s important, however, that you learn to do just that instead of letting it cloud your thoughts.
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
Isaiah 55:8-9
Pray. When you hear direction from God, you will know what needs to be done. We cannot comprehend all that ties to our decisions. We cannot see or know all the lives that will be touched by our choices. We cannot know how God will use us along the way.
The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.
Psalms 37:23
God has a plan and a purpose for your life. When you seek to walk in obedience to Him, he will order your steps. When you follow, you will be walking in the center of God’s will for your life.
Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
Psalms 37:4
The phrase “desires of your heart” does not refer to all those things that you think you’d like to have. Just because you want it, doesn’t mean that it’s good for you. This is why you cannot take just any door that opens. When we delight in the Lord, desire to do His will, and follow His lead, our desires – the desires referred to in this verse – will be in line with that. He will grant us those desires in His timing.
When faced with an open door, always wait to hear from God to make your decision.
LIFE APPLICATION
Today’s challenge is twofold. First, don’t let an opportunity overwhelm you or make you so excited that you make a quick decision. Second, put your feelings aside and pray for God to show you clearly what you need to do. Be patient as you wait for an answer. Also, pray for wisdom and guidance as you walk in obedience to Him.