Open Door Faith

However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived”—the things God has prepared for those who love him. —1 Corinthians 2:9, NIV

I have been reflecting on my faith journey lately, trying to articulate what I see God doing in my life. The following object lesson helped me to understand. Not too long ago my family went on a cruise with friends. One night we were visiting with one of the families we were traveling with. We all sat and chatted as we left port.

The father opened the balcony door to feel the breeze and watch the waves. At the same time their daughter decided to go downstairs to find something to drink. When she went to open the suite door, it would not budge.

She planted her feet and pulled with all her might, but still the door would not open. We tried to figure it out. She had opened it just a few minutes earlier.

What had changed? Then we realized the reason.

With the balcony door open, there was something about the pressure and movement of the ship that prevented both doors from being open at the same time. God whispered to me, “Keisha, that’s part of your testimony. Just like that balcony door, you want some things to remain as they are. You want to enjoy the comforts of the experience. But there’s another door you are praying to open. On the other side is all you need—and possibly more. You get frustrated because it won’t open, but sometimes one door has to close for another to open.” This has been a profound realization for me. Often in life we cling to what is familiar and comfortable, even when we sense that something greater awaits.

The closed doors in our lives can be sources of frustration and confusion, but they are also opportunities for growth and new beginnings.

By letting go of the familiar, we make room for the new and potentially more fulfilling experiences God has in store for us. In our faith journey this means trusting God’s perfect timing and plans, even when we do not understand. It requires faith to release our grip on the past and embrace the unknown future. As we navigate life, let us remember that sometimes one door must close for another to open, leading us to the blessings and growth God has prepared for us.

LaKeisha Williams