No one likes having a door of "opportunity" close in front of them. It can not only be discouraging but disheartening as they are once again at the drawing board. These moments of rejection can lead us to doubt our abilities, feel alone and we may even feel tempted to give up on trying right there. But that is the test isn't it?
Life doesn't usually go as planned. If it did, there would be no learning or growth. We would simply walk the easy path like spaces on a game board and reach the end without a problem. We would learn nothing. So, for that reason closed doors can actually be an opportunity in disguise! An opportunity to grow in faith in God and to develop grit in the face of hardship.
There have been several moments of my life when I have faced closed doors. One experience was two days after I received my mission call to the Texas Houston Mission. I was in a running accident and I couldn't walk for months. I was in so much pain and the doctors had few answers as to what I should do. I patiently waited on the Lord for 10 months and then miracles happened. I was able to receive the needed treatment and left on my mission to serve the Lord.
At the time I felt so confused and I didn't understand why the opportunity to serve the Lord was being taken from me since it was a wonderful desire. The Lord had His plans for me though and as I held onto my faith, answers came. It wasn't until years later that I could see that trial and closed door for what it was...an opportunity to grow. Through
such circumstances we can feel joy and learn how much God truly has our best interest at heart.
Over the last week I have faced several closed doors including two job positions I had interviewed for being declined. I was planning to move to Provo but I simply did not feel at ease about it. In the face of these circumstances one door opened and I was offered a great housing situation to take care of a family's home while they serve a mission and I am applying for grad schools. Though much of my future is unknown to me, I know that doors will continue to close and open and that I will become a better person in the process.
Challenge: Listen to Elder Uchdorf's talk in this devotional. Consider a door that has recently been closed in your life and a door that has been opened. Think about what good can come from that closed door.
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