Doors Wide Open

If he gets a good SAT score, he can get in that school.

If she just practices a little more, she’ll make the team.

If his review looks good, he can get an early promotion.

If the position opens up, we’ll move to the place that’s best for our family.

Ah, if only we could dictate every step. If only we could wave a wand and make it all work the way we want.

So much of our angst revolves around not knowing how things will work out in our lives and not having total control over what happens much less what happens in the lives of our children. Being in the military adds so many ifs to our paths—if this happens, then that will go through. And too many times the events culminate in a crisis leaving us begging God for a breakthrough.

How can we not be tossed about by these emotions? How can we not be a toy for the anxiety monster to bat around?

We have to learn to trust the Lord, the God of the heavenly armies, who accomplishes what he has purposed.

But what the LORD has planned
will stand forever.
His thoughts never change.

Psalm 33:11 (CEV)

The thing we must remember when waiting for doors to open is that God is sovereign and will work things out according to his plan and for the good of those who love him. As we surrender our lives to God’s control, to what God wants for us, we can trust that the opportunities meant for us will not slip away.

To be confident in this principle, we need to steadfastly believe that God is capable and caring. When we come to locked doors, we can rest in knowing God can and will do whatever is best for us.

What seems so monumental to us is a tiny task for God. What seems so right and wonderful in our eyes may hide disaster only he can see. What seems an unbearable struggle may produce the strengthening we need. In all situations, we can hold to our Father, God. Nothing will stop his plan. When doors close, it’s part of his plan for you to not walk down those pathways. When you seek God’s will and live in obedience to his words, the right doors will swing wide open for you!

Pray

Lord, my family sometimes faces tightly shut doors. Teach us to rest in the fact that you know what is behind those doors. We trust you to do what is best for our family. Amen.

Time to Talk

Conversation starter for kids: Provides you with questions and prompts to facilitate a time of applicable discussion with children to lead them towards knowing God and His Word more deeply.

Question(s): Are you waiting for God to do something for you? If he doesn’t, do you think you can still trust him? Why or why not?

Apply: This would be a great time to share with your children a time when you didn’t know what the future held, but you trusted God to show you a way. Share your testimony and how God came through! Use your personal experiences—as raw as they may be—to encourage your children’s faith.

Keep It Going

Related passages: These additional verses will help parents expand Scriptural knowledge and place on the armor of God’s Word to tackle each day. Swipe to read the passages today.

Job 23:13-14

Philippians 1:6