Which Door?
It can be very tempting to make decisions and act hastily, especially in today’s society. Products promise instantaneous results and advertisements appeal to our desire for instant gratification. Technology provides multiple forms of entertainment to help alleviate wait time in lines, for dinner, and even at traffic lights. As a result, patience has become a foreign concept for many people. We want what we want…and NOW! This can easily carry over into our personal walk with God if we’re not careful. We can mistakenly make wrong decisions because we don’t get instant answers requiring minimal effort. God doesn’t operate the way the world does, however, and desires for us to do things His way instead of our own. He desires for us to come to Him for guidance; and He is more than willing to give it. He has answers for you pertaining to everyday, as well as “once-in-a-lifetime” decisions--nothing is too big or too small for Him! You can receive the direction you need from His Word by following three principles from Matthew 7:7, which says, “ Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”
1. ASK. It doesn’t matter how educated or independent you may be, a vital step to understanding God’s will for your life is to simply ASK! God expects us to ask. And when we come to Him with pure motives, we can expect Him to answer! James 1:5 says “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” Don’t miss out on what God has for you by not inquiring Him about it.
2. SEEK. There are several scripture verses about God’s will for your life all throughout the bible. Many of them are general in nature such as Romans 12:1 & 2 which states to “offer your bodies as a living sacrifice...be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, “In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” As you begin to learn and operate in these general biblical truths, God will reveal more specific guidance regarding your particular requests. When you walk in the light, God will provide more light to walk in!
3. KNOCK. When someone comes to a door, it is customary to knock several times; no one ever knocks just once! In the same way, we are to “knock” on the door of God’s presence, as well as on doors of opportunity. What are the desires of your heart? Become active where you are and see where God leads you. God specializes in opening the right doors and closing the wrong ones, so let that be a consistent prayer in your life. If you are not meant to walk through a certain door, He will set roadblocks in your way. But when you combine all three principles and a door opens…trust that He is guiding you and walk through it!
According to Greek scholars, these three verbs are present imperatives, indicating constant asking, seeking, and knocking. Persistence is key, so do these so continuously that they become lifelong habits. Also be ready to accept whatever answer God gives you while understanding that He has your best interest at heart. Matthew 7: 9-11 reasons, “Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone?” Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake?” If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask Him!” Because you serve a good God, you can trust that the answer He gives will be what’s good for you.
MOVE. MEASURE. MARCH.
March On!
Letty Roy
