If I was to show you my prayer list, right now there are two words fixed at the top.
“open doors”
Seems easy enough right? Oh how I can (and do) complicate those two simple words. I place conditions on them. I blanket it in “if/then” statements and requirements. I want to control exactly how wide the door should be open and the exact conditions of how it should go.
Am I praying for open doors or my will?
Open doors can be a scary thing.
It’s where faith demands application.
It requires the vision to see what they look like
It takes the courage to walk through them.
It means leaving something behind.
It means stepping into the unknown.
If you know me at all, none of the above are very strong for me. Oh, I can talk a good game, but inside those statements scare me to death. I’m finite in my understanding of an infinite God. I’m demanding of what I want and not willing to release the control. For a guy that is not very detail oriented, I seem to want to control and handle each one of them.
So even though “open doors” is at the top of my prayer list, I think I better slide it down a notch or two and replace it with words like “faith”, “surrender”, “obedience” and “releasing control”.
I totally get this. It can be difficult for me to discern God’s Will sometimes because I don’t get myself out of the way. I have an open door right now but am praying for God’s clear will, despite my own fears, doubts and opinions. Glad to know I am not the only one who struggles in this area. Praying for discernment in this area for you and your family! Still think a neon flashing light saying “Right this Way” from God would be very helpful but know I might miss a lot. Part of knowing God and drawing closer to him is trusting him completely even when the path may be unclear.
Praying for you as well Erin. Sometimes it’s so much like “Waiting for Lightning”. If you get a chance check out this sermon from Sunday by a friend of mine. Awesome perspective and reminder about obedience. http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/bcn-05-01-2011-experiencing/id391362967?i=93657494
Hi, i believe that Open doors are amazing!!! New opportunities etc, await! I can also vouch for how daunting they can seem… The old and familiar suddenly becomes very ‘safe’.
I attend a church where we have recently started a ‘sunday school’ type group for adults with learning difficulties. To offer them an ‘open door’ to the church and faith. I am currently in the process of designing a logo for the new group, and wondered if you could tell me whose permission i need to ask to use the open door picture on your blog.
Thanks in advance… And here’s to “open doors”!