Revelation 3:8 – I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. (NIV)

In the past year, several opportunities or "doors" have been opened to me. One was to lead a much larger church group than I'm used to. Even when asked to take a small group, I was sure that someone else could do a better job. Now, here was God giving me greater responsibility, and I was still reluctant.

Like me, do you ever hover uncertainly in the doorway? Do you wonder if a task might be too difficult or time-consuming? Do you worry about giant problems ahead, afraid that you won't be successful? Overwhelmed, do you then make excuses?

Sometimes, we think that we can step out on our own terms. I can do this. We try to do it in our own strength. Often, we become discouraged at the first obstacle and quit.

We're refusing one of God's many gifts: an opportunity to grow in faith. The Israelites had the same problem:

Deuteronomy 1:21 – See, the Lord your God has given you the land. Go up and take possession of it as the Lord, the God of your fathers, told you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. (NIV)

Although God had promised the land to them, the Israelites were afraid of entering it because they had found out that giants lived there. They refused God's gift. Then, faced with His judgment of having to spend the next forty years wandering in the wilderness because of their disobedience, they changed their minds and decided to go.

It was too late; the door of opportunity was closed. Moses warned them that God would not be with them, but still, they set forth, and the army was beaten. They tried to do it in their own strength, not God's. The Israelites were forced to wander until all of that generation had died. Then the next generation was given the same opportunity. They had learned a valuable lesson, and they entered the Promised Land as directed.

We must learn to submit. When God opens a door, He expects us to enter. He assumes full responsibility for us. As promised in the Bible, He really will provide the necessary time, money, food, resources — whatever we need to accomplish His task. It's His work and His reputation. We're simply the tools that He uses. We're His hands and feet. When I obeyed, I received much enjoyment and satisfaction from leading a large class, and my faith has grown.

There's an expression: If God brings us to it, He'll bring us through it. I encourage you to submit to His will. Our commission is to make disciples, and He equips each of us to do that in a unique way. He has a purpose, a destiny in mind for each of us. If we allow Him, God is faithful to see us through.

John 10:9a – I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved. (NKJV)

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are the Door. Open wide, You beckon us in to Your loving arms. Give us the courage to take that step, no matter what giants we think that we see. Amen.

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About the author:

JJ Ollerenshaw <sandjollie86@gmail.com>
Belleville, Ontario, Canada
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