The Tension of Open Doors: Discerning Gods Will in Times of Growth

The Tension of Open Doors: Discerning God's Will in Times of Growth

In our spiritual journey, we often encounter moments that feel like pivotal opportunities - open doors that seem to beckon us forward. But how do we discern which doors are truly from God, and which might lead us astray? This question becomes particularly poignant when we find ourselves in seasons of growth and change.

The greatest threat to God's mission isn't opposition; it's distraction. As we expand and grow, it becomes all too easy to be pulled in a hundred different directions, reacting to what's urgent rather than focusing on what's truly important. Growth is a blessing, but it brings pressure. The more we expand, the easier it is to lose sight of our core mission.

Consider the analogy of a small church that began with a deep love for Christ and a passion for making disciples. As it grew, more programs, bigger buildings, and greater opportunities emerged. But somewhere along the way, the focus shifted from transformed lives to attendance numbers, from preaching God's word to saying what people wanted to hear. The church became full, but spiritually empty. They had lost sight of their first love, echoing Jesus' words to the church in Revelation 2:4: "But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first."

So how do we navigate this tension between urgency and importance? How do we discern which doors God is truly opening, and which ones might be distractions?

The Apostle Paul provides insight in 1 Corinthians 16:8-9: "But I will stay in Ephesus until Pentecost, for a wide door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many adversaries." This passage reveals several key principles:

1. God's open doors are not temporary. The Greek word used for "opened" indicates something that has been opened and remains open. When God opens a door, it stays open until He decides to close it.

2. Open doors often come with challenges. Paul mentions "many adversaries" alongside the opportunity. An open door is not always a comfortable place to walk through.

3. Not every open door is meant for us. In another instance (2 Corinthians 2:12-13), Paul left an open door in Troas because his spirit was not at rest there. A sure sign that God is leading us through an open door is that our heart is in it.

4. Discernment is crucial. We must seek God's guidance through prayer, His Word, and the peace He gives (or doesn't give) about a situation.

It's important to remember that not every open door is from God. Satan can create distractions that look like blessings. The enemy can open doors too, leading us away from our true mission. This is why discernment is so vital.

Sometimes, what looks like a setback or a closed door is actually God's protection. Consider the story of a pastor who thought he had found the perfect church to lead, only to have the opportunity vanish at the last moment due to internal conflicts in that congregation. What seemed like disappointment was actually God's way of redirecting him to where he was truly meant to serve.

Closed doors can be hard to accept. We may feel disappointed, rejected, or forgotten. But often, God is protecting us from something we cannot see or redirecting us to something better. As Proverbs 16:9 reminds us, "The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps."

So how should we approach doors of opportunity in our lives?

1. Instead of praying for open doors, pray for wisdom and discernment.
2. Be willing to let God close doors, even ones we desperately want to walk through.
3. Focus on the mission, not just momentum. Ask yourself: Are we chasing good opportunities or God opportunities?
4. Remember that not every open door is a "God door." Satan would love to derail us with attractive distractions.
5. Trust God's timing, even when it doesn't align with our plans.

A powerful illustration of this principle is the story of a church that desperately wanted to expand. They prayed earnestly and planned carefully, but every door seemed to close. Frustration and discord set in until they finally stopped asking why God wasn't opening doors and instead asked, "What are you doing, Lord?" They realized God was calling them to go deeper spiritually rather than expand physically. What seemed like rejection was actually God's redirection to something better.

As we navigate seasons of growth and change, let's remember that our primary mission is people - lost souls who need Jesus. If we stay focused on preaching the truth and reaching the lost, God will build His church. We don't need to change our methods or compromise our convictions to maintain growth. We simply need to stay faithful to the call.

The tension of open doors challenges us to discern between the urgent and the important, between good opportunities and God opportunities. It requires us to trust in God's sovereignty, even when His timing doesn't match ours. It calls us to pray not just for open doors, but for wisdom to recognize which doors God wants us to walk through.

As you reflect on the open and closed doors in your own life, consider:
- What opportunities are you facing that require discernment?
- Are there areas where you might be confusing urgency with importance?
- How can you cultivate a deeper trust in God's timing and direction?

Remember, sometimes the most powerful prayer isn't "God, open this door," but rather, "Lord, close every door that isn't aligned with Your will for my life." May we have the courage to pray such bold prayers, trusting that our loving Father knows what's best for us and will guide us perfectly if we submit to His wisdom.

In the end, our goal should be to stay so closely aligned with God's heart that we naturally walk through the doors He opens and peacefully accept the ones He closes. May we always prioritize our first love - our relationship with Christ - above all else, trusting that as we seek His kingdom first, all other things will fall into place according to His perfect plan.