The Power of Trust in Your Faith Journey预览

An Open Door is Prepared

Why does it seem so hard for us to use the door God has provided for us? For some odd reason, even though God has provided a door, we most often decide that climbing through the window seems more appealing. And then we look up and wonder why things feel so clunky, so ill-fitting, and carry so much grief even in moments that should carry joy and peace. The alternative route often leads us to believe that the priority is that you made it…you still made it to the calling, you still carry the gift, still got the marriage, still got the salary, still got the house, but are there repercussions for taking our own route?

I often imagine God asking the question to all of mankind, “Why are y’all like this?” I have created a door for you, but because you can’t find the door or because going through the door feels like it may take too long or will be too difficult, you have decided to take another route. And the fruit of shifted obedience from the decision to take the window when God called us to take the door is that the grace attached to His promises isn’t present and the season looks less like a promise and more like a prison. Everything you’re called to requires His grace, so going outside of Him often leaves us without the correct armor.

If we are not careful, we will marry the method and, in return, divorce promise…

I want God’s door instead of my own because He knows how to do this better than me

Do what… you ask?

Better at Parenting

Better at creating

Better at managing

Better partner

Better friend

Better at healing

Better at writing

Better at everything

Often, we find ourselves more concerned with the promise than the steps the Lord is asking us to take to receive it. Rebekah received clarity from the Lord about the future for her twin sons, but instead of having peace about what the future holds, she decided that the window to promise looked more convenient than the door. In Genesis 28, the Lord allows Isaac and Rebekah to conceive twins after having a season of infertility through the prayers of her husband (it matters who you marry, right?). During her pregnancy, she felt constant fighting within her because sometimes even answered prayers can carry what looks like a fight. The Lord reveals to Rebekah that she has two nations within her womb raging within her and that the older son would serve his younger brother. After a series of events, Rebekah helps her younger son deceive His father into giving him the blessing due to his twin brother.

Here’s the truth: you don’t have to make God’s plan for your life come true; you don’t need the window. You don’t have to force His hand (you actually can’t), and you don’t have to find a shorter, faster, more leisurely route. And while you may still arrive at where the Lord intended you to be, at what cost? Rebekah’s sons suffered with the choices they made even as the promises were fulfilled. If you believe that the God you serve is really “better”...let Him be.

Reflection Questions

• In what areas of my life have I decided to create my own route?
• How can I invite more of God’s grace into the current season of my life?

Devotional Written by Minister Quita Coleman