When they had gone through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. When they had come opposite Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit didn't allow them. Passing by Mysia, they came down to Troas. A vision appeared to Paul in the night. There was a man of Macedonia standing, begging him and saying, "Come over into Macedonia and help us." When he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go out to Macedonia, concluding that the Lord had called us to preach the Good News to them. Acts 16:6-10 WEB.

There was a season in my life when I really caught fire for the Lord. It was a personal revival. I fasted, prayed, and listened to the Bible twenty-four-seven. Then I began to pray for the Lord to remove anything in my life that was holding me back from being closer to Him.

Everything was rosy for about two weeks. Then I was called to the office at work and laid off. I had worked a twelve-hour shift on the weekends and couldn't attend church for several years because of that. Well, now I could. But, for the first time in my life, I stood in the unemployment line asking, "God, where are you?"

During this time, I looked everywhere for work, but I found nothing. Finally, after an interview one day, a painting company hired me over the phone. They told me to be ready to start the following Monday morning. Monday came, and I drove there. On the way, I prayed that the Lord would keep me in His perfect will and that He would close any doors He didn't want me to go through and open the right door for me.

When I arrived, they had already hired someone they thought was me! It was a bit disappointing, but it was exactly what I had prayed for. Eventually, the right door opened up somewhere else. I went to work and led several people to the Lord during my time there.

Don't fight the closed doors. Be appreciative. They are tangible signs of God's love for you. A confirmation that He is guiding you and that He has something better right around the corner.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, please close the doors I should stay out of and open the door I am supposed to go through. I want Your perfect will to be done in my life. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen!

Note: For those interested in the Wednesday mid-week prayer service, we are changing the time of the service starting today! Instead of 3pm, it will now take place at 10:30am EDT. This service is a short one (15-20 minutes) where we can join in prayer for your needs. If you would like to participate, here is the link: RHM Live.