Let's be honest with ourselves, most of us already have a game plan, so to speak, for our lives. We know exactly what we want to do when we graduate college, who we want to marry, how many kids we want to have, etc. What do you do when a door is shut on your master plan of life, and you're stuck in the hallway, though?
As soon as I entered my freshman year of college at Sam Houston State University, I had a plan all set. I was to graduate in 2015, with a degree in Mass Communications and a minor in Creative Writing, find a decent paying job, move to NYC, work for (potentially becoming an editor) Seventeen Magazine, write an autobiography, get married, have kids, and travel. I know that's a lot on my list, but a girl can dream right?
Well, that's all it seems to be -- a dream. Here it is, 2016, and I haven't graduated yet. I don't have a high paying job, not married (or in a relationship for that matter), no kids, and I've barely traveled. Don't get me wrong, there were times when I tried getting into relationships and travel, and I knew it was a bad idea, but I did it anyway (because I wanted to do things my way). I didn't have a sense of peace, and even though I knew it was God telling me no, I ignored Him completely.
I don't know if you've ever heard the quote, "Until God opens the next door for you, praise Him in the hallway," but how do you praise him when you are frustrated that your plans are ruined?
Having your plans wrecked and doors being shut hurts -- I know. The fact that I haven't made a dent in my list really hurts me and makes me feel like I'm useless or worthless. There have been times where I feel like God has literally slammed the door in my face, and I was livid. However, looking back now, I can honestly see His protection through those closed doors.
Sometimes we try to put a comma where God's put a period. These "sentences" continue because we ignore God and live the life that we want to live. We can be so blinded by the money, sex, being comfortable, etc. to realize anything. I know for me, I was so blinded by my selfishness and eagerness to fulfill my dreams right then and there. God telling you no is only going to lead you to more wonderful things in life. Trust in God's plan and when He tells you "no," just know that something even more wonderful is coming your way. Thank Him when He says "no." He knows better-- He's God!
There may be days when it's easier to shut God out. We might be tempted to leave a "do not disturb" note on the door when we feel tired and persecuted. During those times we're so angry with God that we tend to close Him out and His heart breaks when we are given an opportunity to let Him open the doors in life.
There is a saying that says, "When a door is closed, another door opens." There were various times where God literally had a door open for me, but I didn't answer. Why? Because I'm human, and as human we want to do things on our own. I had a plan, and I wanted to stick to it. I was scared to do things any other way, because I was afraid of the outcome; afraid of things being out of my control.
In life, our faith may be tested, and it may seem that every time that you knock on the door that it slams shut in your face. You'll feel so torn down and afraid that you are scared to open the doors that let Jesus in your life, and heart, to help you through those doors. It may feel like an eternity to you before the next door is opened, but His ways are far greater than ours. Submit to the one that created you. Take your life, line it up against the Bible, and use it as a mirror to show you your heart.
Word of advice to all the struggling college students: Don't blame others for where you are, and start taking responsibility for your actions. Granted, you can't control your life and some of the things that have happened to you, but you can control how you respond to them.
"Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he wiith me." Revelation 3:20 (ESV)
Imagine Jesus knocking on your door -- would you slam the door in His face? Or let Him in to show you the opportunities that God will provide, and let Jesus walk by your side in the open doors?
