Navigating Open and Closed Doors
Have you ever stood in front of two doors and had no idea which one to open? That moment of uncertainty, where your heart races and your mind spins, is something we all face. Decisions shape destinies. Whether it’s choosing a college, ending a relationship, taking a new job, or moving to a new city—life is full of moments that feel way too big to handle on our own.
Think of the last life-altering decision you made. I can imagine you were flooded with emotions—maybe overwhelmed, scared, stressed, anxious, or even isolated. Standing at a crossroads with multiple paths ahead can feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders. One decision could lead you to a specific place, with certain people and experiences. Another door could lead you somewhere entirely different. It’s wild how one “yes” or “no” can shift the entire course of your story.
But here’s the encouraging part: God is in control.
He has holy providence over every detail of creation and nothing is a surprise to God. Every door you face, every path you walk—God is present in all of it. Sometimes, we pray for God to make our dreams happen. A specific job, healing, a relationship to work out. We want Him to open the doors we like and close the ones we fear. While it’s okay to ask, we have to remember that God isn’t a wish-granting genie. He’s a perfect Father who sees the entire map of eternity. His plans are bigger, deeper, and way better than ours—even when we don’t understand them.
When I need that reminder, I think about Jesus on the cross.
In Matthew 27:27–44, we read about the people who should’ve worshiped Jesus—the religious leaders and the teachers of the law—mocking Him as He hung there. The very people whose entire purpose was to prepare the world for His arrival were the ones who arrested Him and demanded His death. Even His disciples, His closest friends, walked away. It’s gut-wrenching to read… and yet, God’s plan unfolded exactly as He intended.
He didn’t give up on humanity, even as we spit in His face during the ultimate sacrifice. That level of patience, mercy, and sovereignty blows my mind. God’s plan cannot be stopped—not by people, not by sin, not by failure. Amen!
I remember being stuck in decision paralysis trying to pick a college. Everyone had an opinion. “This one has better scholarships.” “That one’s closer to home.” “The soccer team is stronger there.” “These people are more fun.” It felt like no matter what I chose, I might mess everything up. So, I prayed. I asked the Holy Spirit to guide me, and the more I trusted, the stronger that peace in my gut became. I made a decision and didn’t look back. Do I know if it was the “right” decision? Not exactly. But maybe that’s the point—faith isn’t about always knowing, it’s about always trusting.
Let’s be real: sometimes the life you thought you’d live doesn’t happen. A door closes, or worse, someone else closes it for you. It can feel like the future you dreamed of was stolen. But doors aren't always about what’s next. Sometimes they’re about what God is protecting you from, or what He’s preparing you for.
A door can be an entrance or an exit. A beginning or an ending. A bridge or a barrier. And no matter how many you face, you can’t walk through all of them. Each one costs you something—time, energy, money, emotion. But here’s the good news: God’s not surprised by any of it.
He’s not just your God waiting to fulfill your every request. He’s the Supreme God of the Universe, orchestrating every decision in your life to fulfill His perfect will. That truth should lift a huge weight off your shoulders. The burden of getting everything “just right” doesn’t rest fully on us. God’s plan will prevail—even through our uncertainty.
So, take a deep breath. God's in control!
You may not realize all the doors in front of you right now. You may feel stuck in a hallway or lost in a waiting room. But you’re not alone. God’s timing is perfect, His wisdom is infinite, and His love never fails.
This life? It’s important, yes. But it’s not everything. We were made for eternity. But, while we’re here, we have to do our best. We seek wise counsel, take steps in faith, and surrender the rest.
And through it all—be kind. Give each other grace. We’re all just trying to figure it out in this messy, broken world.
I love you guys so much. Thanks for spending time with me today.
Until next time. XOXO.
Aves
Comments