Dear Ones,
  Hope you had a great weekend. We enjoyed our time with our dear friend who was here on retreat. This morning I have been doing food prep and soon going to my exercise class. I need to work out after all we ate over the weekend!
Devotions from Judy’s heart
  Haven’t we often told the Lord at certain times that we need to hear His voice clearly? Like we really want to know if we are to take a particular position and make a move, or to know if this is the one we are to spend our life with etc.? We may pray and tell the Lord to open the door wide if we are to go through or close it tight so we know for certain that this is not His will for us. But there are times when it seems gray when it is not clear to us and so we wait.
   I read what author, Peyton Garland, had to say about the signs God may use to close doors for our own well-being and to protect us from those things that would hurt us. Rather than trying to break down the door, we need to get in touch with reasons He may have for closing it. First of all, we would know He has shut the door because we are praying for something that violates scripture. He would not tell us to do something against His will and principles. One gal in a prayer group I was in, announced to us one day that God told her to divorce her husband, although no grounds for the divorce. Perhaps she was tired of him or had another guy in mind, but not what God was saying. 
   Peyton says another way to know if the door is shut if all those who we respect like our pastor, mentor or a trusted spiritual friend, give us the same wisdom that we need to let go of our pursuit. God may be telling us through them that this door is closed and we need to move on. If all of them agree and discern this is a no, then we need to listen.
   Another factor could be a gnawing feeling we have. Things may look good and it would be easy to just act on it, but something holds us back. Sometimes I get an intuitive sense that I shouldn’t do something, although I don’t know why. Then later I find that God had something far better for me and I am glad I didn’t go through the previous door. Let us not ignore those gut feelings we have or we may miss God’s best.
   Sometimes we know the door is closed as we lack sleep. Our bodies are tired but our spirit is awake as God is trying to get through to us, bringing conviction. It could be we need to repent and surrender our will for His will and come to know His best. When I look back on my life, I can see how the Lord saved me out of situations that would not have been good for me.
  Lastly, when doors are shut, we need to recall God’s loving nature and character. In our hearts we know that He has more for us and He will open another door of opportunity that is His best. Like the words of the song go, “Have thine own way Lord/ Have thine own way/ Thou art the potter/ I am the clay/ Mold me and make me/ after Thy will/ While I am waiting/ yielded and still.”
Challenge for today: Sing or say the words of the song and tell the Lord you want His best in your life
Blessings on your week and prayers and love, Judy