I am a huge fan of Oswald Chambers who wrote “My Utmost For His Highest”. Sometimes I have to read the selection several times before I can really understand what he is getting at. He is a pretty deep fellow. The selection yesterday got me thinking about doors.
” God never again opens the doors that have been closed. He opens other doors , but he reminds us that there have been doors that we have shut—doors which had no need to be shut….God will turn what might have been into a wonderful lesson of growth for the future.”
How many doors have I allowed to shut without even realizing that I allowed that to happen? How many times have I closed my eyes to the possibility of something that could have made a difference in the direction that my life was taking? Have I actually learned from any of the doors that I shut on my own? Have I been able to move past the disappointment of shutting a door that I should have kept open and walked through boldly?
What a wonderful thing that our God allows us to move on, to acknowledge when we do not follow perhaps the best path and allow us another chance and another path. The knowledge that He is with me—no matter how many doors I inexplicably close—that is the most wonderful feeling that I could have.
24 Comments
Leave a commentBeautiful post! I hadn’t heard of Oswald Chambers; I’ll have to learn some more.
I love his short devotionals. I have two copies–the original and the “modern day” translation which is a bit easier to understand. I would highly recommend My Utmost for His Highest. Great stuff in there.
I have been trying to be very aware everyday of open doors, learning to close the ones that are ajar and don’t feel good. If the door is beautiful and makes me smile it’s the one I know I should walk through. God doesn’t lead you to squeaky scary doors, your Ego does. Feeling is everything.
Love what you wrote, Sonia. I hope that every day is getting a bit easier for you. I know that you have a lot of good things and people surrounding you and you have an amazing attitude. You are never far from my thoughts and always in my prayers.
Don’t forget that other kind of door – the ones we refuse to shut, even though we ought to shut them, padlock them, pile the furniture up against them and then run for our lives! Being given the strength to close certain doors is a gift, too.
Very true! Thank you for sharing that—-there are definitely doors that need to be avoided. Fortunately I have not had too many of those in my life. 🙂
Truly a thought-provoking post. I like shoreacres’ comment, too.
I love it when folks add their thoughts to a post, don’ t you? I think that shoreacres has a great thought there, too.
I would like to read My Utmost For His Highest also so I will have to visit a book store. I think I really need a book like his.
I might have a copy you can have! 🙂
One of my favorite things to do in Chicago is walk through neighborhoods and check out the doors. I was gifted a door coffee table book a few years ago and I love it. And recently a friend gave me a fun book featuring garage doors. My favorite door, my front door, was made by Joe and his brothers. It doesn’t bubble but the lock has been a source of irritation. I love the quote and try very hard to maintain an open door policy, and knock frequently.
I bet those books are amazing! I love doors, too, and am often drawn to taking shots of them when I see unusual ones like this one in the post. Thanks for the great thoughts–open door policy but knock frequently. Yes!!!
You’re so right about Chambers being “a pretty deep fellow.” I often find his writings to be w-a-a-ay above me! That said, you’ve picked a beautiful passage here. I love the idea that when something has been closed, we’re not supposed to linger over it and wonder “What if?” Rather, I think we’re supposed to trust God to either open another door or perhaps show us a window!
Thanks for the great comment, Debbie. I find that sometimes the “modern day” version of My Utmost for His Highest is easier to understand. 🙂 Guess I am more of a modern day gal.
In a photographic sense, I love the look of old doors. The character, the nice lines…the sturdiness. But in spiritual terms, it is struggle knowing when to walk through a door — and when to close one behind you and not look back. Did you really miss a chance; or, was the timing just not yet quite right? But like you said, I do think opportunity does come round again. Sometimes we just take the long path.
I am good at taking the long path. But I try to learn along the way. Sometimes I am better at that than at other times. 🙂
Maybe we need to learn not to close doors but leave them slightly ajar, for who knows what wondrous thing may cross the threshold.
Great point, Benze!!! Everyone is so wise today! 🙂
I’m sure I’ve shut doors but can’t think of any at the moment.
🙂 Just as long as it doesn’t slam on you you are okay.
That’s what I’m thinking! lol
Sometimes you are in a place in your life, when as bad as it hurts, you know you have to shut a door, for your own piece of mind.
Exactly, Sandy. There are a lot of opportunities for opening doors but probably just as many present for closing doors. It is a good thing to be able to do that when you need to, isn’t it? Thanks for stopping by!
I got that devotional for my hubby. It does have a lot of depth, I had to read and re-read, too. All things work together for good…I’m trusting you are on the right path, your steps are ordered by the Lord.