Much needed encouragement, today. ❤️ Many dreams and plans have “failed” for me, over the years. Good to be reminded they are all part of God’s guidance on the path to glory.
Exactly what my husband and I needed to read in our bumpy ministry journey. Closed doors can be discouraging. I have always SAID "rejection is direction," but living it just feels like rejection. haha. Thanks for these life-giving words.
AJ. You thank you for this. I wish I had an insight to add that made me sound like I was contributing to the conversation. But all I can say is “let it be.” I needed to read this this morning. And it appears that the Spirit let me to it at this time.
My old friend, Scott! I was just re-reading some of your work in the missional theology text you wrote years ago. I hope you are well. And, that you can find the grace of Christ in "letting it be." I confess such things are hard to do. I resonate with what you say.
I like this quote-“Experiencing a closed door is such a beautiful and essential place to be taught by the love of God. It is there, in the rejection, in the heartache, in the not-being-chosenness, that the mercies and kindnesses of God are often on full display”
Such good encouragement to wait on the Lord and embrace his leading over our own.
From another perspective perhaps, I too liked that thought. I often find that I can't "see" Who closed the door or usurped the itinerary. But here I am, nonetheless: I am in the posture of rejection, heartache, the not-being-chosenness, AND because here I humbly, fully trust God's sovereignty, I am able to sense the Spirit's mercy and kindness. Only then can I receive them and faithfully worship and witness to God's love.
So good, AJ. My husband and I were just discussing the closed doors we have experienced since Bible college and how they have led to other ends, although not at all what we would have expected. Instead of FT ministry, he ended up in hospital administration and I ended up homeschooling our kids. Not the plan, but His ways are higher and so are His thoughts. So glory be to God for open and closed doors. He is good and knows best. Always.
Thank you for the encouragement! This is a very timely reminder. When I look back on some of the toughest rejections I've experienced, I can see that they were redirecting me to the path that I'm on today - a path that would not have thought of for myself, but I'm thankful for. After all, he is the God "who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine" (Eph 3:20). What is more unimaginable than being blessed by a closed door?
Much needed encouragement, today. ❤️ Many dreams and plans have “failed” for me, over the years. Good to be reminded they are all part of God’s guidance on the path to glory.
Exactly what my husband and I needed to read in our bumpy ministry journey. Closed doors can be discouraging. I have always SAID "rejection is direction," but living it just feels like rejection. haha. Thanks for these life-giving words.
Overjoyed it is helpful, Seana!
AJ. You thank you for this. I wish I had an insight to add that made me sound like I was contributing to the conversation. But all I can say is “let it be.” I needed to read this this morning. And it appears that the Spirit let me to it at this time.
My old friend, Scott! I was just re-reading some of your work in the missional theology text you wrote years ago. I hope you are well. And, that you can find the grace of Christ in "letting it be." I confess such things are hard to do. I resonate with what you say.
I like this quote-“Experiencing a closed door is such a beautiful and essential place to be taught by the love of God. It is there, in the rejection, in the heartache, in the not-being-chosenness, that the mercies and kindnesses of God are often on full display”
Such good encouragement to wait on the Lord and embrace his leading over our own.
Thank you A.J.
From another perspective perhaps, I too liked that thought. I often find that I can't "see" Who closed the door or usurped the itinerary. But here I am, nonetheless: I am in the posture of rejection, heartache, the not-being-chosenness, AND because here I humbly, fully trust God's sovereignty, I am able to sense the Spirit's mercy and kindness. Only then can I receive them and faithfully worship and witness to God's love.
So good, AJ. My husband and I were just discussing the closed doors we have experienced since Bible college and how they have led to other ends, although not at all what we would have expected. Instead of FT ministry, he ended up in hospital administration and I ended up homeschooling our kids. Not the plan, but His ways are higher and so are His thoughts. So glory be to God for open and closed doors. He is good and knows best. Always.
Thank you for the encouragement! This is a very timely reminder. When I look back on some of the toughest rejections I've experienced, I can see that they were redirecting me to the path that I'm on today - a path that would not have thought of for myself, but I'm thankful for. After all, he is the God "who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine" (Eph 3:20). What is more unimaginable than being blessed by a closed door?
Great thoughts as always. Thanks AJ.
Thanks, Brother Tyler!