Stepping Through the Door: Your Journey of Faith and Purpose

This past week, during a powerful prayer call led by Rev. Dr. Patrick L. Daymond, a profound truth echoed in my heart. It reminded me of a timeless Chinese proverb: “Teachers open the doors, but you must enter by yourself.”

This wisdom resonates deeply with me. We are blessed with incredible leaders, mentors, and spiritual guides—our "teachers"—who generously share their wisdom, open pathways, and illuminate possibilities for us. They point to the doors, but the beautiful, sometimes daunting, act of walking through them is uniquely ours.

Recognizing Open Doors

What does it look like when a door is open for you? In our daily lives, these "doors" can appear in countless forms. Perhaps it's an invitation to serve, to volunteer, or even a quiet nudge to reconcile with a loved one. The Bible tells us in Revelation 3:8, "I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut." This is the power of a divine invitation—a door placed before you by God Himself.

For me, a recent open door appeared as an invitation to serve in a new role on our pastoral staff. This new position would allow me to teach more and develop my writing skills. The door was opened for me by a leader, but it was up to me to choose to walk through it, to embrace the challenge, and to trust that God would equip me for the journey.

Think about the times someone has encouraged you to use a gift you didn't even realize you possessed, or when a friend connected you to a resource that perfectly aligned with a need. Those are open doors! Our leaders often create these opportunities, but the next step—that courageous walk of faith or action—is always ours. It's about saying "yes" to growth, "yes" to service, and "yes" to the unique path God is unfolding for you.

When a Door is Closed

But what about those times when you feel a door is resolutely shut? We've all been there. We pray, we seek, we knock, and yet, nothing budges. This can be disheartening, even frustrating. However, a closed door is not always a rejection; sometimes, it's divine redirection.

Consider it an invitation to pause, reflect, and perhaps look for another pathway. Is there an adjacent door you hadn't noticed? Is God calling you to prepare more for a future open door? Or perhaps, as my grandmother used to say, "If God closes a door, He opens a window." A closed door might push us to innovate, to develop new skills, or to trust in a way we never have before. It might even lead us to create our own door, using the gifts and creativity God has instilled within us.

For instance, I once felt strongly called to a particular ministry role that simply didn't materialize. It felt like a closed door, and I was disappointed. But in that season of "waiting," I discovered a passion for writing and storytelling, which led me to contribute to publications. The initial closed door wasn't an end; it was a pivot that revealed an entirely new path.

Your Invitation

I encourage you today to look around. Where are the doors opening in your life—in your relationships, your community, your spiritual walk, or your personal growth? If you encounter a closed one, don't despair. See it as an opportunity to seek God's alternative plan, to grow, and to trust in His perfect timing.

Our teachers and leaders will always be there, opening doors. But the adventure, the transformation, and the beautiful journey of stepping through belong entirely to you.