Open Door or Closed?

I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. ~ Revelation 3:8

One of the greatest challenges in life is discerning which door to go through.  Companies are closing doors and sending jobs oversees.  Banks are shutting downs lines of credit.  I admit it's hard to find an open door when so many seem to be bolted shut.

When the apostle Paul spread the Good News to places far off,  he was told by the Holy Spirit to stay out of Asia.  At the time, Turkey was considered part of Asia and it's door was locked shut.  We will never know why God locked Paul out.  A new door was opened to what is now modern day Europe.  Paul's mission of telling others all the good that Jesus does for us was a huge success.  He found the open door and blazed through it.

What do you do when you face a locked door?  There are two things to consider.  The first is a lesson in perseverance.  If you stop knocking too soon, the person on the other side may not have enough time to answer it and you may miss out on a great opportunity.  It may mean you need to hone your skills before God thinks you're ready for your door to be opened.

The second possibility relates to opportunities you may not see because you are so focused on opening the locked door when an open one is just beyond your view.  Ask God to point you to the right door.  If you are in front of the correct door and no one is answering, ask God to give you the key.  If you are on the right path, the Evil One will do everything to lock you out.  The power of the Holy Spirit will keep the proper doors open for you to do God's will.  Keep knocking and never give up.