Walking Through Open Doors - Devotional by Bill Strom

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

In my work as a university professor I often write letters of reference for students who are applying for their first job out of college or for graduate school. Along with this service comes the role of counsellor to graduates as they hear from one organization or school, but not another.

Sometimes this feedback is about timing. In one case a student received a resounding “yes” from one graduate school, was offered a scholarship, and was invited to visit the campus to meet professors and check out the program. But a second school gave a “wait and see” response, did not offer a scholarship, and did not invite the student to visit.

Sometimes God makes his way clear, and when he does, we need to guard against demanding other answers or being given more options.

Jeremiah reminds us that God has plans for us, even prosperous ones. It’s too bad we second guess his clear signs as to which way to go. So often it is as simple as turning away from closed doors and walking through others flung wide open.

God, help me pay attention to clear signs you provide regarding my future. Help me see your ‘no’ as ‘no’ and your ‘yes’ as ‘yes’ that I may enter the doors you open for me. Amen.

Thought: Consider a decision you have to make. Are some options ‘green’ while others are ‘yellow’ or ‘red’? Follow the green option and keep trusting God.

By Dr. Bill Strom
Used by Permission