“I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.” John 10:9 (NASB)
Do you find yourself asking God to answer your specific prayers and open the door of opportunity? Have you ever thanked God for a closed-door that protected you from a huge mistake or wrong direction? Doors of opportunity come in all shapes, colors, and sizes. What hidden questions are you asking of the Lord at Christmastime?
Why am I here? What is my purpose in life?
When will I see Your plan for my life and see the doors open?
What’s next Lord?
What should I do Lord? Will you please just close the doors that are not good for me?
The Christmas Story
In the nativity story, Joseph is in Bethlehem and desperately running from door to door asking people for a room for the night for his family (Luke 2:4-7). No matter where he went not one door would open. He must have been so disappointed when all he had to give his new wife and baby boy was a stable filled with animals and a manger filled with straw.
This wasn’t Joseph’s plan. He may have been silently asking God, “Why here?”
Can you relate to this part of the Christmas story? You may be wrestling with the same question this Christmas asking, “Why, Lord?” or “Why here?”
Later that night, Joseph would know the reasons why. Soon he would learn God chose that particular door for him and his new family with a purpose and a plan. When Joseph received all the closed doors he was knocking on he finally discovered God had the perfect open door and perfect timing.
It became very clear to Mary and Joseph that they needed to be in a stable to fulfill the angel’s message and the prophetic scriptures in the Old Testament to the shepherds. The shepherd’s visitation and message from the angel confirmed God’s call on their lives as the earthly parents of the Messiah. They were willing to be a part of God’s Glorious plan of salvation.
Be encouraged. God knows where you are right now, and He holds your future. He knows you by name. God is trustworthy and faithful and He desires to have a personal relationship with you and spend time with you!
“God never gives up on you, so don’t you ever give up on Him” Marie T Freeman
No matter what open or closed door you are facing this Christmas, remember you are NOT alone. God longs to be your Savior and walk with you. He will not force you to trust Him or obey Him. Your Creator has given you the ability to make your own choices.
Whether the door is open or closed, God has a plan for your life. The best thing we can do this Christmas is to daily seek God for wisdom and guidance with each door we face along our journey. As you go through your day-to-day activities this Christmas remember to keep your eyes and ears open to hearing God’s voice as He speaks to your heart.
God’s Words of Wisdom Through Scripture
“It’s incredible to realize that what we do each day has meaning in the big picture of God’s plan.” Bill Hybels
“I know all the things you do, and I have opened a door for you that no one can close. You have little strength, yet you obeyed My Word and did not deny Me.” Revelation 3:8 (NLT)
“Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear My voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.” Revelation 3:20 (NLT)
“Lift up your heads, you gates! Rise up, ancient doors! Then the King of glory will come in.” Psalm 24:7
