The Joy of the Journey: Open Doors

The Joy of the Journey

Open Doors

We live in a world where we get instant gratification for almost anything we might want or desire. When I was growing up fast food was considered a treat, and we got it every now and then. Today, it is the opposite: a home-cooked meal seems to be a rarity in most families.  We used to have to go to the library to look up information. Does anyone know the Dewey decimal system anymore? I think you get where I’m going.  Because of this, “waiting” can often feel unsettling and bring with it uncertainty. However, as believers, the Bible encourages us to embrace waiting as a period of preparation and growth. When it comes to opportunities in life—whether they are related to our careers, relationships, or ministries—waiting on God to open the door to His purpose and plan can be a process filled with anxiety and even fear.

Understanding that waiting is a biblical process is something every believer must learn and embrace.  Scripture repeatedly highlights the importance of waiting on the Lord. In Isaiah 40:31, it is declared, “But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” This passage offers a profound reminder that waiting on God is not a passive act but an intentional choice to place our trust in Him. When we wait on God, we align ourselves with His timing and receive the strength we need to navigate the uncertainties of life.

Psalm 27:14 emphasizes the idea of waiting in faith:“Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!” This encouragement reveals that waiting is an active process requiring strength and courage, as it cultivates a dependency on God rather than our understanding or efforts.  Without faith fear will offer itself as a substitute. God does not want us to live a life fearful of our future!

To trust in God’s timing is one of the biggest challenges in waiting; it is learning to trust God. We may feel an urgency to act or become frustrated with delays; yet, in Ecclesiastes 3:1, we are reminded, “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.” God, in His infinite wisdom, has set divine seasons for each aspect of our lives. When we attempt to rush through these seasons, we risk missing the blessings and lessons that God intends for us.  In my own life, I have had to repeat the lessons when I try to rush through the seasons God is bringing me through.  

James 1:2-4 teaches us that trials and waiting periods can build our character and faith. It states, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.” This verse helps us see waiting as a time to develop steadfastness, helping us mature in our faith and trust in God’s plan.

During waiting times, it is vital to actively seek God’s guidance. Psalm 37:7 teaches us to, “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices.” In stillness, we create space for God to speak to us and reveal His paths. This can include moments of prayer, Scripture meditation, and worship, where we seek to hear God’s voice more clearly.  After all, Jesus promised that if we seek, we would find. Also, Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”

Ultimately, waiting on God is a crucial aspect of our journey. In these waiting times, we deepen our relationship with Jesus, grow in patience and courage, and prepare to embrace the right opportunities He has in store for us. As we surrender our futures and desires to Him, we can experience the promise and presence of the Lord! By waiting patiently on God, we allow Him to open the right doors, leading us to the opportunities that help us live out His perfect plan for our lives.