Behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it. (Revelation 3:8)
The last time I took my car to the dealership for service, when it was finished the service technician instructed me to drive my car until the door opened to exit the service area. As I drove towards the door it didn’t budge. Just when I thought I was about to hit it, the door began to slowly open. I proceeded through the open door awestruck by what I learned with the opening of the door.
The word “behold” in Revelation 3:8 is meant to capture your attention. “It precedes an action that is about to take place.” God says He’s set an open door before you. In the Bible, a door represents opportunity. I believe we’ve entered a season where God is opening doors of unusual opportunities.
When God gave me the vision for Way of Escape Ministries years ago, I was overwhelmed by the vision. I had no idea what to do with the vision. I was thrust into leadership when I felt like I wasn’t qualified in any way for the task at hand. Since the inception of Way of Escape, I’ve encountered many closed doors. Closed doors have tested my faith, patience and endurance. There were times when I threw in the towel only to have God toss it right back at me.
I recall the time when I lamented to God about separating me from a ministry I desperately wanted to remain a part of. Stretched out on my living room floor, I cried until I was exhausted. As I lay still on the floor unable to shed another tear, it was then I heard God say, “How long are you going to keep looking at that closed door?” It dawned on me if this door was shut, that meant another door was now open. Over the years I’ve come to realize when God closes one door, He always opens another door of much greater opportunity. Sixteen years later, doors that were once closed at the outset of Way of Escape are now opening.
What do you do while you wait for your door to open? The wait demands patient endurance. Patience isn’t about how long you wait. It’s about your attitude while you wait.
You may be enshrouded in uncertainty and seemingly stuck in a corridor of closed doors. If you stay focused on the closed doors, you’ll miss the open door God created for you. Follow God’s instructions. Know that at the opportune time, a door will open. Stay in position so you’re in place when the door opens. It may not be convenient or comfortable. Don’t quit. Persevere through the opposition, disappointment, discouragement, discontent, doubt, fear and uncertainty. Remember every closed door is leading you to the one that’s open. Move in faith until the door opens. Faith is what connects your present circumstances to God’s reality for your life. Look to God for the open door.
Until next time…
Rev. Cynthia Jackson
Rhema Inspirations
Rev. Cynthia Jackson is the administrator of the Rhema4U Blog and Innovations Ministries Director. Rev. Jackson is a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She was licensed and ordained under the tutelage of Bishop David G. Evans. She is an associate minister at Bethany Baptist Church located in Lindenwold, New Jersey. Rev. Jackson founded Innovations Ministries in 2001. Innovations Ministries provides dynamic and innovative programs and services for individuals and families dealing with various health-related issues. She is a gifted teacher, preacher, conference speaker and writer. God has anointed Rev. Jackson to be a spiritual midwife with a passion to empower others to birth God's vision for their lives. Rev. Jackson holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Organizational Management from Eastern University, a Master of Science Degree in Health Administration from Saint Joseph's University and a Master of Science Degree in Christian Counseling from Cairn University.
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