Basic Impulse

Noah obediently followed God’s instructions to build a large boat with only one door and window, entering the ark when God said it was time to board. But the Lord—not Noah—closed the door:  “And the Lord shut him in” (Genesis 7:16). It was for the good and safety of all inside. A year later, when Noah opened the window and saw that the land was dry and safe for walking, he was ready to exit, but God knew differently. A month later, God told him to leave, and because he waited on God, Noah and those entrusted to his care walked on solid ground.

You are accountable for your heart’s door. When Jesus knocks, open it and let Him in. After that, as God’s child, you will walk a sure and steady path leaving the opening and closing of life’s doors to our All-Knowing God, obeying Him. When a life-door closes, and you turn to another and find it closed, sometimes (to have what you want), the first instinct is to pry one open, creating a self-made path, one your Father never intended. Opening closed doors without God’s permission is a pathway in the wrong direction. Trust God. His wisdom and timing are perfect for opening and closing doors; His decisions always have your best in mind. Your good and safety, and those you influence, depends on your obedience—it’s your choice.