Choosing your next opportunity

Joseph Lalonde Oct. 30, 2021

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It's often been said that when God closes one door, He opens another. We see this as people lose jobs, get demoted or choose another path.

I wholeheartedly believe God opens doors. It's what He does. He gives us opportunities to move into new territories.

But, today, I want to issue you a warning.

There are plenty of open door opportunities that are not God-ordained. These are doors of convenience, happen-stance or "luck." These doors are open and waiting for you to walk through them.

However, we know leaders need to be discerning. They need to look at the doors in front of them and choose wisely.

Today, I want you to ask yourself three questions the next time a door opens in your life.

1. Am I settling?

We see a door open in our lives and we immediately think it is a blessing. Sometimes, the open door is a curse.

We run through the door, excited to see what's on the other side. Reaching the other side, we realize it is more of the same.

We settle because we want a quick resolution. We want our wait to be over.

Be careful in walking through an open door too quickly. Make sure you're not settling when something better is to come.

2. Is this my desire or God's desire?

A huge problem we face in walking through open doors is that we confuse our will with God's will. We think God wants what we want.

The longer I live out my faith walk, the more I realize my will is in conflict with His will.

Ask yourself if the decision you're about to make is about your desire or God's desire. He will answer you and lead you in the right direction. Be open to His leading and leave your desire behind.

3. Have I asked for guidance about the open door?

Seeing doors open in our lives is exciting. We see opportunitiesand excitement. We rush toward the door thinking we've had guidance.

But sometimes we haven't.

When facing an open door, seek the wisdom of those in your life you trust. These people could be your pastor, spouse, close friends or business coach. These people are there for you. They want to help you. They want to see you succeed.

Be willing to slow down. Take a breath. Ask them their thoughts and what they would do in your situation.

Not all open doors

Not all open doors are God-opened doors. As you begin to take the recommended steps above, you will see this. You will see how some doors are doors of chance. Other doors are traps. And, then, there are the doors God has opened in your life.

You won't realize this unless you slow down, get counsel and ask yourself tough questions.

I believe the more you practice the questions I have shared, the more in tune you will be to answering correctly. Just remember, not every open door is a door you should choose to go through.

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Joseph Lalonde is an award-winning leadership blogger and hosted the Answers From Leadership podcast. He desires to see 20-somethings step into their God-ordained roles as leaders. Previously, on the E3 staff and currently serving in the Catalyst youth ministry of Gateway Church, Joseph has mentored many students and has seen their lives changed through this teaching. His mission is to help equip leaders with the knowledge and information to boost their leadership to the next level. This article was first published on JMLalonde.com. Used with permission Learn More »

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