The Apostle Paul, compelled by his life’s mission to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ, was on his way to Asia, when he was forbidden by the Holy Spirit to proceed any further. Paul learned from past experience, not to push against the Lord’s will. This strong impression led him to trust that God had something else in store. Paul obeyed and soon had a vision of a Macedonian man, asking to preach the gospel to them. Paul went there instead, resulting in whole households being saved, imprisonment, and also a miracle.

The journey of a Christian is not always clear, nor easily understood. This walk requires trust. Sometimes we are tested to see if we will continue to trust God when times are hard, doors are shut, plans are delayed, or the ‘heavens appear locked in silence’. It takes faith to walk the narrow road and stay the course, even when we don’t understand ‘the why’.   

True faith requires trust and love. Yes, “Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God”. (Romans 10:17) But it is not only faith in what, but in Whom. Our God is very relational. We were created to relate to our Creator. Unshakable faith comes from a personal knowledge, an intimate love, and trust in the character of Whom we believe in – especially when we cannot see.  

The Christian disciple is called to daily ‘Come follow Me’. In true surrender and purity of heart, they trust Christ’s timing is always perfect. For our Sovereign God who sits upon the circumference of the earth, also carefully fashions our destiny before us, placing unique gifts and talents inside to be released at its appointed time, fitting into His divine plan. “For we are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10) Before we were born, His eyes saw our substance and all our days were fashioned and written in His book, before any one of them occurred. (Psalm 139:16)  

We can say as the psalmist did in Psalm 31:14,15 “But as for me, I trust in You, O Lord; I say, ‘You are my God, my times are in Your hand.’ ”

And in response, the God who works all things according to His great plan, speaks to our heart – “Be still, and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10.

Dear Heavenly Father,

I thank You that You often lead through closed doors – saying no to promising job opportunities, friendships, and other partnerships while I wait for Your perfect will to be revealed. I confess that I am often impatient. Help me not to force my way through doors or onto paths that are not Your will. Help me to be faithful in the work You have given me while waiting for the next step, the next blessing, the next task, the next opportunity. In the Name of Jesus, I Pray. Amen.

When God indicates that it is not yet time for a certain door to be opened, we can be encouraged that He is working behind the scenes. Following Paul’s example, we should not try to force the way forward in our own strength. Like Paul, we should seek wise counsel to help test what we think is the Lord’s leading. Don’t let go of hope but continue in prayer and praise to trust God’s timing. Then, when God opens the door, we can go forward in peace, knowing that He has made the way.