Open Doors

I don’t like to make rush decisions nor am I very spontaneous.  At work when someone proposes a new idea, my first reaction is to buy time – time to check with others that might be affected, time to read up on the idea, time to think.  I’m the same way at home.  Scott will throw out an idea, “Let’s go eat at this BBQ place I just saw on FB.”  I have to process this suggestion.  I start thinking through everything.  “Well, I have pork chops thawed out,” or “what time will we get home?”  It is hard for me to just say “Sure, let’s go!”  I like to have time to mentally prepare. 

There are times when God asks me to do something where I have plenty of time to prepare.  When asked to teach a class or speak to a group, I have time to prepare the lesson.  I have time to pray and think through everything.  However, there are times when God opens a door that requires spontaneity.  The other day while standing in line to checkout with my groceries, a lady asked me about the shirt I was wearing.  It was a shirt from church that said North Women Discipleship.  I didn’t have time to stop and pray about my answer.  I didn’t have time to practice what I was going to say.  I had to give her an answer right then.  God opened a door while standing in line at Crest, and I had to be ready.

Preparation for these times or opportunities has to take place in advance.  This is why it is important to stay in the word and to regularly spend time in prayer. We need to be prepared for these opportunities.  David gives us an excellent example of this.  He spent years out in the fields watching over the sheep.  He spent time in prayer and praise.  He was anointed as king, and he was called into Saul’s court as an armorbearer.  He was prepared for whatever door was opened for him.  Little did he know when he was sent on an errand to deliver some dried grain, cheese and loaves of bread to his brothers that a door would open for him to jump through.  Once David hears of the situation with Goliath, he doesn’t ask for time to go pray, he doesn’t need time to go practice.  He simply walks through the open door and says, “Your servant will go and fight with this Philistine.” (1 Samuel 17:32)  David did not have to go and pray or go prepare.  He was ready.

While I don’t think my nature will ever love surprises or completely unplanned events.  However, I do want to always be prepared to walk through the doors that the Lord opens for me. 

Author: Angela Grunewald

Just a mom/wife/educator who loves the Lord and wants to share my thoughts. View all posts by Angela Grunewald