"Often at the beginning of a new life we attempt to forecast the work that we hope to accomplish. We take into account our desires and aptitudes, our faculties and talents, our birth and circumstances. From these we infer that we shall probably succeed best along a certain line of 
useful activity. But as the moments lengthen into years, it becomes apparent that the door of opportunity is closing in that direction. It is a bitter disappointment. We refuse to believe that the hindrances to the fulfillment of our cherished hopes can be permanent. Patience, we cry, will conquer every difficulty. The entrance may be narrow, but surely it is passable. At last we shall reach the wide and large place of successful achievement. ... It is only after such a period of disappointment that we come to perceive that God's ways are not as our ways, nor are His thoughts as our thoughts, and that He has other work for us to do for which He has been preparing us, though we knew it not.
"Not till long years have passed have we realized that the Lord's plan was much wiser and grander than our own. Then suddenly we have awakened to discover that while we were desiring to do one thing, God was leading us to do another and that what we have counted secondary was primary, for His glory, and for the lasting satisfaction of our own heart.
useful activity. But as the moments lengthen into years, it becomes apparent that the door of opportunity is closing in that direction. It is a bitter disappointment. We refuse to believe that the hindrances to the fulfillment of our cherished hopes can be permanent. Patience, we cry, will conquer every difficulty. The entrance may be narrow, but surely it is passable. At last we shall reach the wide and large place of successful achievement. ... It is only after such a period of disappointment that we come to perceive that God's ways are not as our ways, nor are His thoughts as our thoughts, and that He has other work for us to do for which He has been preparing us, though we knew it not."Not till long years have passed have we realized that the Lord's plan was much wiser and grander than our own. Then suddenly we have awakened to discover that while we were desiring to do one thing, God was leading us to do another and that what we have counted secondary was primary, for His glory, and for the lasting satisfaction of our own heart.
"Whenever you are doubtful as to your course, submit your judgment absolutely to the Spirit of God and ask Him to shut against you every door but the right one."
-- F.B. Meyer
from his book, The Life of Paul
1 Corinthians 16:9 For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.
2 Corinthians 2:12 Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ's gospel, and a door was opened unto me of the Lord,
We must wait for God to open the one door of entrance to His course for our lives. His will cannot be forced or hurried. If we miss that one door, we miss His perfect will in the succeeding steps, and that is something we cannot afford! His plan is so much grander than our most excellent goals--exceeding abundantly grander. Where we are presently is truly the place He has chosen for us to work and to wait. It does not pay to fret impatiently against His purposes, perhaps growing so restless that we feel we have no choice but to launch out foolishly on the path we believe to be acceptable.
May our hearts take faith and delight in the Lord Jesus, fully believing to see His goodness fulfilled. When at last we see the door of opportunity begin to open, with God's hand extended lovingly toward it, how complete will be our glad thankfulness... knowing the wait was worth every moment.
from his book, The Life of Paul
1 Corinthians 16:9 For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.2 Corinthians 2:12 Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ's gospel, and a door was opened unto me of the Lord,
We must wait for God to open the one door of entrance to His course for our lives. His will cannot be forced or hurried. If we miss that one door, we miss His perfect will in the succeeding steps, and that is something we cannot afford! His plan is so much grander than our most excellent goals--exceeding abundantly grander. Where we are presently is truly the place He has chosen for us to work and to wait. It does not pay to fret impatiently against His purposes, perhaps growing so restless that we feel we have no choice but to launch out foolishly on the path we believe to be acceptable.
May our hearts take faith and delight in the Lord Jesus, fully believing to see His goodness fulfilled. When at last we see the door of opportunity begin to open, with God's hand extended lovingly toward it, how complete will be our glad thankfulness... knowing the wait was worth every moment.
"Trusting Him whate'er befall,
Trusting Jesus, that is all."
Trusting Jesus, that is all."
Information concerning paintings:
- 1) "At the Garden Gate" by Charles Lidderdale
2) "At the Cottage Door" by David Woodlock
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