As we continue our search for God's direction - patiently waiting and actively seeking His presence - we ought to rejoice with every single step He reveals. As we draw closer to Jesus, we will desire, more and more, to only take steps which are aligned with His will. Therefore, ANY direction from God, no matter which way He leads and no matter what method He uses to direct, should be a reason to rejoice.
During his dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus, Paul received specific direction from Jesus; "get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do" Acts 9:6. A few years later, the Holy Spirit specifically directed Paul to begin his first missionary journey; "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul {Paul} for the work to which I have called them" Acts 13:2.
Midway through his second journey, God directed Paul with peace and assurance: "Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you" Acts 18:9-10. And at the end of his third journey, Paul once again received specific direction; "And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem" Acts 20:22.
God often leads us by opening doors and lighting a path for us to follow. But there are also many times when God directs by simply telling us where NOT to go.
"Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to."Acts 16:6-7
Paul was still walking with God - still being directed by His Spirit - but now God's direction was in the form of closed doors. Paul never appeared to get discouraged when God closed a door; he simply allowed himself to be redirected toward whatever door God opened.
So much of our Christian growth is a process of relinquishing control and trusting God to completely direct our life. He alone is in control of the doors; "What He opens no one can shut, and what He shuts no one can open" Revelation 3:7. It is a mixture of pride and foolishness that causes us to continually push on doors which God has closed.
Our Heavenly Father is constantly guiding and calling us to trust Him more. He opens doors which require us to step through in faith, and closes doors which require us to patiently wait. His guiding hand is always a reason to rejoice, even when we are lovingly guided by closed doors.
- steve troxel
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