When God Closes Doors

It was but yesterday morning, whilst engaged in my most needful devotional exercise, that the Lord met me with such tender power. As I turned the sacred pages to the sixth chapter of the Gospel of John, and my eye fell upon the twentieth verse, I could not restrain the rising tide of emotion—and I broke down entirely before Him. For weeks, the only sorrow that truly burdened my spirit, since parting ways with the congregation where we sought fellowship, was not the fear of any man’s opinion, nor any worldly concern, but this single, earnest petition: "Am I still in the center of your will, Father?"

In that very moment of distress, my God came near and greatly, yet oh, so gently, comforted my soul. The Lord’s own voice seemed to leap right out from the very pages, wrapping me in a perfect peace that brushed away all anxiety. The Master of the wind and waves had spoken directly to the tempest in my heart, gently whispering eternal, assuring words:

“It is I. Do not be afraid.” (John 6:20)

I confess to having allowed the enemy a subtle foothold, permitting the heavy door of the past to remain open, letting old burdens weigh down my soul. Yet, blessed be the name of my Redeemer! My God, in His faithful love, has firmly shut that darkened door and is clearly, powerfully urging my spirit to press onward into a greater, deeper, and more trusting service. Though much could be written concerning the lessons wrought in that season of trial—for the soul learns most when under the hammer—I now find myself endowed with a treasure and a strength far exceeding all that I possessed when first I began this journey. The Lord, in His providence, has not merely restored what was lost, but has thrown open great and clear doors for the glorious furtherance of His Kingdom. He has filled my days with brighter mornings , and my dwelling is now graced with a newfound increase and abundance of overflowing joy. Furthermore, He has granted me wider horizons and wisdom in my studies, knitting my heart to a deeper, more profound reverence for His Holy Word. Truly, the Lord has not only delivered me from the snare of the fowler but has multiplied His mercies unto me!

Further encouragements came in a letter:

True. It was the Father who brought us to you. God has given you such a great privilege, to lead and pastor us. I also realize that part, of attending service just to avoid anybody saying anything, is true. You attend, so we attend. But we tried ignoring what was obvious, everyone was simply content with the program. It is very clear to us what your motives were from day 1. You did not focus on teaching us how to preach. Your main goal was to bring us to the knowledge of our true Father. Thank you for that. It is so rare to get this kind of opportunity. We are so blessed.

The LORD has always been good, is indeed good, and will always be good to me.

Psalm 1:1-3 
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

Psalm 27:14 
Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD. 

Psalm 30:11 
Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness;