In Touch Daily Devotional 
by Dr. Charles Stanley

Monday August 1, 2005
Confronting Closed Doors
Acts 16:6-10


God has the power to open any closed door — no circumstance is too difficult for Him to overcome. Yet He may choose to let things that seem important to us remain blocked. Why does the Lord allow doors to shut?

 

Protection. Perhaps He is trying to keep us from making a mistake. On our own, we may not have sufficient knowledge to make right choices.

 

Redirection. God could be sending us down a new path. His plan might include bigger opportunities for us, a wider area of service, more fruitfulness, deeper satisfaction, a season of suffering, or an opportunity to glorify His name. God closed doors in Asia so that the apostle Paul would minister on the continent of Europe. His obedience led to greater fruitfulness — the churches at Philippi, Thessalonica, and Corinth — and more knowledge for us through his letters to them. Though Paul experienced much suffering, he also knew the joy of participating in God’s work.

 

Testing. When God says “No,” our faith is tested, and we discover what we really believe about Him and His plans.

 

Perseverance. In these roadblocks, we have an opportunity to develop steadfastness, an vital quality for believers. (Romans 5:3-5)

 

Timing. Our Father places stop signs along our path in order to work out the correct timing for His will.

 

Disobedience. Past waywardness can affect future experiences and blessings.


When our way is stopped, we must look to God and seek His purpose for the interruption.

 

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