Sometimes when one door closes another door opens. I’ve heard that all my life and just thought it was a statement mothers say to their children when they don’t know what else to say. I know! That sounds cynical, but I’m being honest.
A while ago I mournfully resigned a church position. I loved that role. I got to work with young and old and aimed to get families involved in this church community. I was good at it. I could see the growth the church was beginning to have and I knew I had played a significant part in the progress. It was exciting and I sincerely cared about these families. But as in many workplaces, there was a level of politics that was resistant to change. Some of the change I had encouraged. Much I had nothing to do with, yet somehow got the blame. Knowing I had done all I could do, I resigned.
In the weeks that followed, I heard rumors of why I had left. Some were partially true; some were completely fictitious. It was hurtful. People should have known better. Some talked just to talk. As the months began to pass and I spent my days at home, I found myself thinking about the wrongs that had been done to me. I trusted God, but it didn’t seem fair.
I was dwelling on the hurts and disappointments too much and I needed to move on. I still loved singing and leading worship. I loved interacting with people. I decided to take a part time retail job to get me out of the house and out of my self-pity. Interestingly, I found I loved fashion retail! I’d always had a passion for fashion and in this position I was meeting so many interesting people.
In the meantime, I was invited by a pastor to lead worship for the church services he held at a women’s prison. This was completely intimidating at first, but the more I did it, the more comfortable I became and I grew to treasure it.
While working at my new retail position, I met my new employer and was hired as a wardrobe consultant. This is not where I would have seen my path going, but God knows our interests, strengths, and gifts. He doesn’t want them wasted. Looking back on this uncomfortable transition in my life, I can see God’s hand in it all. He knew my every worry and fear. He knew I needed a time of rest before I jumped into a new adventure, and He knew he’d have to push me out of my comfort zone.
It’s true. Sometimes when one door closes another door opens that can bring a whole new adventure and bring to light strengths you never recognized before. What is so amazing to me is that when we are walking in faith, God not only directs our path, He also has our back.
Proverbs 139: 1-6 (NLT) says,
O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. (He knows the desires of your heart. He put them there.) You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my every thought when far away. You chart the path ahead of me and tell me where to stop and rest. Every moment you know where I am. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord. You both precede and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to know!
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