If you will, allow me to be very vague, without being disingenuous…
Recently I opened the door. I peaked out into the hallway and closed the door again. Its comfortable in here, and I’m not ready to leave my haven. But the door has opened again. I have a decision to make – should I go into the hallway?
If I do cross the threshold, the door may close behind me. Access to my sweet haven may not be possible again… The hallway isn’t a nice place to be. There’s nowhere to sit down or get cozy. Its the opposite of comfortable.
I do feel the urge to go, I know that it is most likely what I should do… but I don’t know for sure what will happen once I get into the corridor. Will the next door open up right away? What if a window opens instead? Worse… what if I don’t like the door that opens? There are any number of scenarios that could make this very awkward.
“When God closes a door, He always opens another one: although, it can be hell in the hallway” The truth is (and I know this is really true), in transition, the hallway (better described as the unknown) is an uneasy place to be – and – in some forms it can feel like hell.
If I step out into that new passage way sure of the Spirit’s leading, I will hear unholy voices whisper lies to me. They’ll tell me that if the “right” door doesn’t open right away that I’ve left God’s will. They’ll taunt me, saying a new door is never going to be an option now. In my heart, I know those words are not truth – they are fabrications, fiery darts from Satan himself. He’s hoping I’ll retreat down the hall to my old door and jiggle the knob, trying to get back in. He’s already planning that I’m a coward.
So before, I even cross my big toe through that door way, I’ve been praying for guidance. I am not going without being prepared. And the only words I hear ringing in my ears are HIS truth: from Ephesians 6:10-18.
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.
It makes it sound like I’m headed to war. Maybe I am, I’m not sure. I guess I’ll have to go through that door when it opens. But, I’m confident I’ve got the best protection. And, I know He will guide me on this new adventure if I step out in obedience. After all, He didn’t really promise comfort, but He did promise to open the doors.
daily portion 