I know you have heard the old saying: When One Door Closes, Another Door Opens. Although many times I have doubted and even tested that saying, I have found over the years that this old saying rings true. But, did you know there is more to this quote?

There Is More to the Quote

Alexander Graham Bell said this quote; however, there is more to the quote. It actually reads:

“When one door closes another door opens, but we so often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door, that we do not see the ones which open for us.”

How many times have we focused on the closed doors and not the opened doors or the possibility of opened doors? We so often focus on what we don’t have that we forget to focus on what we do have or what we could have!

Doors May Close But Another Always Opens

When One Door Closes, Another Door Opens

Most people are too attached to the past, to what they are familiar with, and therefore, miss opportunities that stand right in front of them.

Doors may close, but there are always, other, unlimited number of doors and new opportunities. The world is full of opportunities, if we could only see them. God is boundless, and so the possibilities are without number.

We have to understand, not every plan works out. Sometimes, there are losses and failures. Sometimes, there are problems in relationships. Sometimes, people lose their money or job, or encounter other unpleasant things. We don’t always have control over these events, but we can exercise control over our mind and attitude with the Word of God. When this happens we usually focus our attention on the loss or the closed door, we see only a closed door which meets us with frustration and unhappiness. If we could only move our sight and attention away from the closed door, we might be surprised to discover new, open doors and opportunities. 

It might not be so easy to move our eyes elsewhere, due to attachment to the old and familiar, and fear of the new and the unknown, but it can be done. 

What Do We Need To Do?

  • Be more aware of your thoughts. Squash those unpleasant thoughts and replace them with new ones. 
  • Be aware of the words you speak over yourself and others. Are they negative? If so, take small steps to change them! The tongue is a powerful tool, use it wisely.
  • Desire to free yourself from thoughts that keep you stuck in one place.
  • Develop some degree of self-discipline. Hold yourself accountable for your actions, thoughts and tongue. 
  • Acknowledge the power of God. Dig into scripture and apply it to your own life
  • Start a small devotional every morning. Start your day off with positive words from your Creator. You will be surprised at how much easier all of the above will be throughout your day when you speak life over yourself first thing in the morning.

Doors May Close But Another Always OpensScripture to Study

Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

Revelation 3:8

I know all the things you do, and I have opened a door for you that no one can close. You have little strength, yet you obeyed my word and did not deny me.

When God opens doors in our lives don’t try to close it because of the trials, which is sometimes required. No one can close an open door that God has for you so have confidence in the Lord. If it’s God’s will it will be done, remember He always has a plan. And don’t forget to watch out as well for doors that God closes.

The Holy Spirit will guide us and let us know if a door is closed. 

Acts 16:6-7 

Next Paul and Silas traveled through the area of Phrygia and Galatia, because the Holy Spirit had prevented them from preaching the word in the province of Asia at that time. Then coming to the borders of Mysia, they headed north for the province of Bithynia, but again the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them to go there.

John 16:13

Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

Don’t stop knocking. God will answer. Have faith!

Matthew 7:7-8 

Continue to ask, and God will give to you. Continue to search, and you will find. Continue to knock, and the door will open for you. Yes, whoever continues to ask will receive. Whoever continues to look will find. And whoever continues to knock will have the door opened for them.

Luke 11:7-8

Then he will reply from inside, ‘Do not bother me. The door is already shut, and my children and I are in bed. I cannot get up and give you anything. I tell you, even though the man inside will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of the first man’s sheer persistence he will get up and give him whatever he needs.

God will eventually open the door.

Acts 16:25-26

About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose.

Until next time…

~xoxo

Mandi

seasons of faith, change and prayer