"Doors"

If you look back o’er your shoulder,

And all that you can see,

Are doors closing behind you,

Do not discouraged be.

‘Cause that means God is moving,

And opening new doors,

Though you might not see ‘em,

That’s what faith is for.

And He is always working,

In everything you see,

To make you more like Jesus,

Lead you where you need to be.

What others meant for evil,

The Lord will use for good,

But sometimes we can’t see it,

As clearly as we should.

And if the tempter tells you,

You’re someone God can’t use, 

That you have been disqualified,

These lies you must refuse.

For God alone is sovereign,

His choice of you is clear,

His strength is strong in weakness,

And your life to Him is dear.

Listen, He is saying,

You are His special child,

And all that He has planned for you,

Will be here in awhile.

Just keep on trusting Jesus,

And faithful in your prayers,

The Spirit is your energy,

And He will get you there.

Today is here, be ready,

To help the least of these,

And do not lose your focus,

You will the Father please.

“There is a wide-open door for a great work here, although many oppose me…” (1 Corinthians 16:9, NLT)

Paul talked about the doors of opportunity God was opening to him in this passage and others. But he also recognized there would be opposition. There always will be… You cannot go where God calls you to go without it, so never ask permission when God calls. Ask for help, but not permission. Why? Because when the Lord opens the door, we don’t need the approval of men. It’s good to get godly counsel, but in the final analysis, we are responsible to obey when the Lord shows the way. God calls us to make peace with the past, no matter what has happened, and not allow our history to determine our destiny. If God was through with us He would have called us home to heaven. But He hasn’t yet, and that’s because our earthly assignment isn’t finished. Not yet…

Lord, help us focus on the doors You are opening to us, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Steve Devenyns, stevedevenyns.com. Used by permission. Thanks, Steve, and God bless you.