An Uncaged Bird: Finding Freedom and Joy to Obeyনমুনা

Unexpected Doors

Years ago, when I was a senior in college,  I shared all about my new salvation with a friend, and I invited her to join me—a noble and loving request, so I thought. Unfortunately, she didn’t take it that way. 

She was offended. She was angry and immediately cut off our “best friend” status. For months and months, I tried to reach out, reassure her, and prove my genuine friendship. It got to the point where it became very hostile, and I was forced to walk away because I did not want to offender her further. I struggled with so much doubt. Did I really hear from God? Should I have spoken up at all? 

I wonder if that's how Mary felt after Joseph wanted to divorce her quietly? The Lord did intervene and told him the baby was from the Holy Spirit, so he got up the next day and married her as the angel told him. But I wonder if she fought the urge to defend herself or argue her point? I wonder if she regretted speaking the truth? To be honest, I think we’ve all had moments where our good and loving intentions have resulted in misunderstandings, betrayal, and blame. It’s easy to want to prove ourselves right, but honestly, that’s God’s business. Arguing will certainly turn people away. Instead, God gives us a better way: to trust and obey Him and leave the rest in His hands.

Life can get messy, but even in the mess, God is good, and our obedience is imperative to the places and people He is leading us to. Nothing is in vain or for granted when we are obedient to Him. He sees it all, and He promises to walk through every door with us. He is trustworthy; therefore, He is worthy of our obedience and He alone will right every wrong and reveal all truth in His timing, just as He did for Mary (Matthew 1: 18-25).

When I look back over my lost friendship, I see how God used that separation to reposition me to make new friends who not only filled a void but also deposited Christ-centered love, wisdom, and accountability in my life. I can say, for certain, that the loss of one friendship was imperative to gain new ones, and my obedience to take a stand for Christ resulted in an expansion of the territory of my relationships, which lead me to meet my husband, Jarrett.

Five years after we parted ways, I received a Facebook message from my old friend, congratulating me on my pregnancy.  I thought the door was slammed shut and locked behind me, but God showed me that, though things seem hopeless, He was working in the background. From afar, she had seen God’s transformation in my life and was moved to acknowledge God’s hand and see the truth that I had loved her all along. It was certainly an unexpected door and taught me that our obedience will open unexpected doors to share love and truth with others. 

Trust that God will reveal all truth in His timing. We just have to be obedient to Him, follow where He leads, and be willing to walk through the unexpected doors that He makes possible. He is always moving in us, through us, and around us, changing our hearts and strengthening our faith—not just for our benefit, but also for the benefit of those around us.