God Shut the Door (A Guest Post)

"Garden Gate"
by Jill Clardy

photo source

I am the door.
If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved,
and will go in and out and find pasture.
- John 10:9

The past week has not been an easy one for me.

Well, that's reality. Life is never really easy. I say that, of course, from the human standpoint.

One constant truth that builds strength inside of me is that God alone holds my life in His hands.

In my Father's hands are the keys to many doors in my life that He alone can unlock.


I've always loved the imagery of doors. To me, doors represent safety and security. God is my gatekeeper, He watches my coming in and my going out. He puts His hedge of protection around me.

A door can be an access or entry point... or a way of escape. A door leads to a walkway that I walk on to keep a divine appointment, a door opens to a God given opportunity.

So I've often understood that when a door closes in my life, God is ready to open another.

One of my favorite Scriptures comes to mind:

Therefore I am now going to allure her;
I will lead her into the wilderness
and speak tenderly to her.
There I will give her back her vineyards,
and will make the Valley of Achor a door of hope.
There she will respond as in the days of her youth,
as in the day she came up out of Egypt.

- Hosea 2:14

This passage was spoken by God to me many years ago when I was facing an uncertain future. In the very "valley of trouble" where I found myself, God did open a door of hope to me.

That is when the imagery of doors began to hold a special meaning in my life.

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The other day, I visited Sandra's blog and was amazed at what I read.

She had quoted Scriptures that were some of my all time favorites.

And not only that, she shared a prophetic word that deeply ministered to my heart.



Sandra lives in Washington D.C. She is one blog author who never fails to inspire me each time I visit her blog place. She writes from the heart - with courage and with conviction. Although Sandra and I have never met face to face, I feel like I know her. This must be because we have met often at the feet of Jesus, kneeling before His throne of grace.




Below is Sandra's post that I have referred to. She has graciously given me permission to post it on my own blog.

God Shut the Door

Greetings -

Scriptures are from the King James Bible.

Early this a.m. during my devotions with our Lord, He gave me the title of this post. He also gave me the following scriptures:


Genesis 7:16
And they that went in, went in male and female of all flesh, as God had commanded him: and the Lord shut him in.

Revelation 3:7, 8
And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;

I know thy works: behold I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and has kept my word, and hast not denied my name.


Later today I shared the above with a sister in Christ. Then tonight I went to another blogger's site and noticed that had content relative to the "door" matter. It was after that, that our Lord told me that it was ripe to post this topic that He gave me early this a.m. Further, He shared that someone was waiting for this post. I have no clue who, but in obedience to our Lord, it is here. It could be more than one person, so I will express in plural.

Our Lord says:

"Children, nothing happens that is not on My radar. I am fully aware of your questions, challenges, and fears. I have not forgotten You. Rejection does manifest in your lives. I allow it because I have better for you. My Word says in Hebrews 12:11, 'Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.'"

"My cash flow has not ceased. When you imagine that you don't have enough, that is not Me that You believe because My Word assures you that I shall supply all of your needs according to My riches in glory by Christ Jesus. My schedule prevails.


"You fret about job security. Be secure in Me. Nothing can occur without My clearance. Whatever I allow, I rule. Remember that I have preeminence over all. Any doors that I shut in your lives, it is because better ones shall open. Your challenge is the wait. Your challenge is the unknown. Rest in the truth that I know, and expect You to walk by faith, not by sight.


"People have forsaken you. Count it all joy. They have been removed for beneficial purposes. Their departure does not subtract from your value. Consider their absence an asset. If I needed them there for you, their departure would have been prevented. Am I not GOD?!


"What is yours is reserved for you. I won't allow anyone to have what is reserved for you. It is yours. Sow to My Spirit and witness My moves, and developments.


"Press in to Me - press in to My Word - press in to My truth. Cleave to My promises - draw nigh to Me and I will draw nigh to you. I know that you are tempted to faint, and to accept an Ishmael rather than an Isaac. Don't settle. Press on for your "child of promise" - your Isaac.


"Rest in my arms - let go of your anxieties - rest in Me, saith GOD."

The Acts 5:39

But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.

I Corinthians 10:13

There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

Philippians 4:11
... for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.


Sandra

Written Wednesday April 13, 2011

Dear Sandra... I have just been listening to this song that spoke to my spirit at the early dawn hours of this day. I share it here, and dedicate it to you, looking forward to the day when our faith will be sight and we will meet face to face at last.

You Raise Me Up