“Slammed doors do more than bend your nose; they keep your heart pliable, sensitive, and available to God’s leading.”-Wayne Stiles
Dr. Wayne Stiles concludes Chapter 6 of Waiting on God by observing that “circumstances always change our minds about God.” Circumstances either (a) tempt us to doubt God’s promises or (b) draw us closer to Him.
Therefore, we must remember that our goal in our struggles lies well outside of attempting to understand God’s plan. Conversely, God desires our trust in Him through simple daily obedience in little things. Furthermore, Wayne states, “little things begin in little places.”
As we make our way up the ladder, it’s easy to let go of the previous rung. Once we reach our goal, however, it becomes much harder to release that rung- especially if God requires us to give it back or we experience slammed doors.
Just like Joseph, we musts grow to understand that God views faithfulness– on any level- as success. Otherwise, we may be tempted to ask, Why isn’t God using me like I want to be used? (emphasis author’s)
Dr. Stiles explains:
“You may fail to recognize God using you significantly because you define God ‘using you’ in terms of what you consider significant results. But God often defines results in terms of character. Words like productivity and efficiency remain conspicuously absent from the fruit of the Spirit (see Gal. 5:22-23). These results of God working in your life all reflect character- his character. Character alone produces godly results.”
When your heart feels a tug toward big things, remember the Lord takes delight in little things He alone sees. For little things reveal the heart.
Today’s question: During your desert, transition time, how have slammed doors turned out to be blessings? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: the new Short Meditation, “Strong enough?”
