Are you willing to walk through that open door?
Life is full of uncertainty. But life is also full of doors that God swings wide open for us to walk through …if we would just trust Him.
The older I get, the more I realize that God wants my faith to be extraordinary….not a faith that follows Him as long as I can see exactly where that open door or path leads. In fact, that isn’t faith at all. That is simply following directions. Yet, many times, God’s “direction” is as sketchy as “Go (from all that is familiar to you) to a land that I will show you” (Genesis 12:1).
We all want to grow in our faith, experience God at work, and live our purpose before Him. But I wonder how many times He gentlemanly opens the door for us and we stand there, stare into the dark void, and say “Uh, no thank you…..I can’t see where that leads.”
When Moses was on Mount Sinai, receiving the law, the people of Israel were down in the camp frightened because God was demonstrating His power there on the mountain. The people were apparently afraid to go where God was. It was too uncertain. Too mysterious. Too scary.
Look, for yourself, at their fearful response to the incredible door that opened on Mount Sinai:
“When the people saw the thunder and lightning and heard the trumpet and saw the mountain in smoke, they trembled with fear. They stayed at a distance and said to Moses, “Speak to us yourself and we will listen. But do not have God speak to us or we will die.”
Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning.”
(And here’s one of the saddest lines in Scripture:) The people remained at a distance, while Moses approached the thick darkness where God was.” (Exodus 20:18-21)
How sad that the people never got to see the glory that Moses saw. And it’s because they remained at a distance. They had no intention of getting outside their safe comfort zone to experience the true glory of God. They didn’t want to go through that “scary” door.
I’m not sure what your open door looks like.
- Maybe it’s a new opportunity or job and you’re unsure of your ability to succeed at it.
- Maybe it’s an area of ministry and it’s still not completely clear to you what’s involved.
- Maybe it’s a “leap of faith” God is asking you to take but you just can’t see what is waiting on the other side.
- Maybe it’s simply a “trust Me” situation and you’re fearing the worst.
As God stands there with that door open, are you staying at a distance where it’s safe, familiar, comfortable? Are you hesitating to walk through because you think God might ask you to do something that’s a little risky? Are you keeping your distance out of fear? Or are you, like Moses, willing to approach the “thick darkness” where God is….willing to go where it’s mysterious and uncertain….where you have to trust that He is good and He will take care of His own?
When Moses entered the “thick darkness” it was there that He saw God’s glory.
Let’s be willing to go where God is — even if it looks scary, even if it looks uncertain, even if we’re not entirely sure what the outcome will be. He’ll be right there alongside us. And I’m certain we’ll be amazed at what we experience as we trust Him.
What is the door He’s holding open for you?
Thanks for your encouraging post, Cindi. I was just walking on my lunch break and thinking how I don’t know where God is leading me next. The way is uncertain, but I will trust Him! Your words are also echoing what my colleague just said last week about never knowing when God might open a door, so be ready to walk through it! Thanks for uplifting women with this positive message.
You’re welcome, Nicole. And thanks for spending some extra time to think about it. : )
Hi Cindi:)
As I’m reading your article about God opening Doors I ask my self, How do we know that he is opening doors and how can we hear him and it’s not that we don’t want to go through the doors, it’s maybe because we are afraid to step forward. I hope I’m making sense.
Great question, Diane. I figured that one might be coming my way. : ) I will address “How do You Know if God is the One Opening the Door?” in next Tuesday morning’s blog. Stay tuned.
Thank you StrengthSoul. You have just ministered right to my heart. I will not lie am just like the people of the Israel because most of the time I really fear what i do not know. The Lord is telling me not to fear and go face him. He is so good and loving he will always embrace me. It does not matter who i am because he knows exactly who i am. I should go to him boldly and with no fear because he loves me so dearly. Thank you for the word. It really encouraged me.
You’re welcome, Rose. Thanks for your comments.
I fear the door that is before me. I have been trying to convince my husband to work on our marriage (his on/off affair) for two years. I feel I can’t do this any longer. I am worn out and afraid to be divorced and alone. What door is God showing me after all this time?
Marcia, your question is not an easy one. However I know that God will not open a door that is contrary to His Word. God hates divorce just as you fear it. Perhaps His open door is for you to trust wholeheartedly that He can get your marriage through this ordeal. He knows your heart — as well as your husband’s — and even if the marriage looks impossible, God can still work the impossible. Please investigate marriage counseling for you and your husband…look for that door to open in terms of his open heart toward it. You — and your marriage — are in my prayers, dear one.
Cindi-
Your blog spoke to my situation exactly! Your question and comments about fearing to walk through open doors was just what I need to hear!
I have been a worship leader/song-writer for thirty years as well as an English teacher and college professor, but I am now launching a new career as a writer and speaker. I have spent three years writing the book and am now at a crossroads again, having to rely on God entirely for guidance and direction. Every day I see him opening doors, but have had some battles with insecurity and fear at entering uncharted waters- thanks for the timely reminder about the courage and faith it takes to walk by faith!
You’re welcome, Gail. Thank you for your comments. It will be exciting to see what God does with your new book, CrossWise.
Good Morning Cindi,
Wow! Thanks for writing this post! I have been wrestling with , “Maybe it’s a new opportunity or job and you’re unsure of your ability to succeed at it.” for some time. Every morning when I ask God to show me how I can serve Him today, I hear the name of this company. Or when I say , “Show me the way you want for me, Lord”, the name pops into my head again. I LOVE the products, I wouldn’t be without them, they have been lifechanging for our family!!! But working for the company is a huge stretch for me. I copied the last paragraph you wrote and have taped it where I will see it multiple times a day. Thank you so much for your encouragement to “walk through that door” 🙂
You’re welcome, Chery. Praying for you as you follow Him.