Publication date Sep 11, 2023

Are you facing closed doors, friend?

Publication date Sep 11, 2023

It can be really confusing when you're facing closed doors even though you thought you were on the right path, can't it?

"Why is God allowing this to happen? Why did He even lead me this far if I'm stuck here now?"

Oh, friend, I asked myself that question too after flying halfway around the world to speak to the students of YWAM (Youth With A Mission). I opened my heart in front of them, shared vital truths with them—and yes, tears flowed. It made a difference, but I expected much more....

In the afternoon I sat by the sea—yes, that sounds great, after all I was in Hawaii—but I cried. Tired, exhausted and also disappointed. Why were the doors to the students' hearts so closed?

Or did it just seem that way?

In the morning, a friend sent me a WhatsApp message: "Don't try to do it alone"— "Do it together." Of course, I had fully involved God in the lesson and asked Him to guide me in what I was saying. Maybe you feel the same way while standing in front of your closed door. 

But if you acknowledge God’s leading—and I mean this, friend —then everything will work out as He planned it. Then you cannot do anything more except to let go—and let God do it. 

Here you need this trust, that this door will open only when He wants...and if He wants...and that it will be SO okay then!

"I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things…in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own…but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith." (Philippians 3:8-9 NIV

friend, as you stand outside your locked door, may I ask you a question? At this point, are you concerned about what God can do for you, or about what you want to do? Do you trust Him even if He doesn't open the door—or doesn't open it until later?

You know what? “What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.” (John 13:7 ESV) Today you can surrender your disappointment to Him and live in trust!

You are a miracle!

Deborah Rosenkranz
Author

Singer-songwriter and author, but especially Jesus' biggest fan!