Going back to over a year ago, both of us started getting words about doors separately.  One of the prayer warriors in our church called me out and said that she saw me going through double doors that were on fire.  Apparently, the doors were to the nations.  Back then I put this into the interesting category with all the other unfulfilled words that I have gotten.

For me, when I get prophetic words like this, I write them down and put them into an interesting box.  We are always supposed to test the words of others, and I have learned to put words from other people into the interesting box until it takes place or until God speaks to me directly in conjunction with this word.  Then, it comes out of the interesting box into the exciting box.

There were also several words about doors being open to Katie that she got from some very trusted people.  At the time they were given, neither one of us really understood because it seemed like we were seeing only closed doors around us.  In fact, about a month before the wedding, we were at a Fire by Night (gathering of people who seek the Lord together) and a vision was given to a woman there.  She saw me in a room that had so many doors opened.  All of these doors has been opened by God at one point, but now it was time to close some of these doors so that I could watch as God opened the door I was supposed to walk through.  At that time in Katie’s heart and mine, God used this to confirm that I was no longer to look for a youth pastor position.  This had been my heart and desire for so long and nothing had ever come of it.

This was slightly discouraging because it was my desire to be a youth pastor, but also slightly encouraging, because I knew that God would not have me close it unless He had something better for me.  During this time, Katie got a scripture out of Exodus 33:14-15 “And God said, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.  Moses replied If Your Presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from here.”  The desire in both of our hearts was to be in the Presence of the Lord!  If He was closing doors and saying stay, that is what we wanted to do.  However, He was only closing one door so that He could open another.

In each of our lives, there will be times where nothing seems to happen around us.  No matter how hard we try or what we do, every door seems to be closed.  Trust me, I know.  I tried seminary, law school, youth ministry, young adult ministry, prison ministry, youth camps, mission trips, law enforcement, management, construction, ranching, the military… I was searching for an open door, but could not seem to find it.  However, many of the things I did were very good God things and prepared me to Go.  The same is true for you!  God has a great plan for you and your life.  He is not tricking you or letting you wander around aimlessly.  Every door that is closed is preparing you for what is coming next.  In the very least, after so many closed doors, when God finally opens a door, you will not care what it is, but you will be willing to commit totally.

Be encouraged my friends, every closed door is an opportunity to learn and grow and serve the Lord until the door He has for you opens.  You are not wasting you time, but this is waiting.  Not a passive do nothing waiting, but an active, serve the Lord wherever you can until he brings you to your specific calling.

One last thought, when Jesus said “Many are called, but few are chosen” (Matt 22:14)  What did He mean?  Are some appointed to do super special works and others just average people?  Certainly not!!!  God has called each one of us to do something special.  The difference between the called and the chosen is the fact that when called, the chosen do not give up, but keep doing what they can!  Eventually, they come into their chosen place because they did not give up!!!

You have been called!!!  Ask Holy Spirit to give you the ability to serve where you are and never give up until you walk into the chosen place for you in your partnership with Him!!!

Jeremiah Man on Fire!!!