God Opens and Closes Doors

Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again—my Savior and my God! (Psalm 43:5 NLT)

It seemed peculiar early in the morning when I heard the doorbell and a forceful knock at the front door. As I opened the door, a man greeted me inquiring about the property and asking if I was the homeowner. I hesitantly answered his questions with uncertainty wondering about his hidden agenda and motives.

Suddenly, he informed me with the shockingly bad news that the house I was renting was in foreclosure and a publicized auction had been scheduled. I was speechless and very confused about this negative news.

As he was leaving, I immediately called the rental company for an explanation of how this could be happening. They later confirmed that the homeowner had failed to make the mortgage payments and had defaulted on two properties in the area.

I was very angry and upset because I had faithfully paid the rent on time each month. I felt humiliated, distressed, and troubled about the situation.

Frankly, I did not know what to do! My resources and options were limited since our family income would not qualify to purchase the home, nor pay the $20,000 required to bid at the auction.

Honestly, I wasted too much time worrying about it instead of casting my cares on the Lord. I had to declare and confess to God that I completely depended on Him. My declaration of dependence on God only set me free from self-dependence and self-reliance.

In faith, I decided to attend the auction not knowing what to expect. Just being there in that environment, I felt hopeless and sad. Tears ran down my face, quietly weeping in grief, not knowing my fate, because my family obviously had no place to go and reside.

I intentionally arrived early. As I stood on the steps of the courthouse, a man approached me asking which house I was bidding on. I told him that, unfortunately, I was not there to bid and explained my situation. He said that was the house he came to bid on.

Brokenhearted, I told him every detail about this beautiful custom-built dream house. He was overjoyed and inspired to keep bidding over the man that previously knocked at my front door.

Later that evening, I welcomed the new owner and his family into my home. They were overwhelmed because the house was far more lovely than they had imagined.

Our encounter was truly a godsend during my time of need. We had a rental agreement and a timely plan to swap homes. My family moved into their townhouse with an open lease until I found a larger house.

Six months later, I received the keys and opened the door to my present residence and can faithfully say I will soon be mortgage free.

We may not understand why unsuspected things happen in our lives, but at the same time, we can trust God will help us at just the right moment—because His timing is perfect. He is never late, but always on time.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

What doors are God closing and opening for you?

God may be using closed doors as a time to prepare you for what is to come. God has a bigger picture in mind for you too.

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Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.