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I grew up a
child of the 70’s. J.C. and Cookie Hutson loved watching sitcoms and game
shows. One game show they loved was called “Let’s Make A Deal.” Monty Hall
was the host and one of the catch phrases was: “Do you want what is behind
Door Number 1 or Door Number 2?”
Contestants would have to choose between the
doors. Now, Door Number 1 might have a new living room suit (the contestant
already has seen behind that door) and if they choose Door Number 2, it
might be a donkey! Do they take a chance on the unknown Door, or stick with
what they have?
Do we pray for “doors to open” that in the
long run will ultimately harm us? Are we praying for a “74 Pinto” when God
wants us to have a “New BMW?”
For the last several months, Yvonne and I
have been so specific with our prayers for our future. We are praying; “God,
YOU open the doors YOU want opened and CLOSE the doors YOU want closed.”
We all want to be happy and live great lives,
but do we pray for things and we HOPE that it’s God’s will? If we are honest
with ourselves, it’s OUR WILL, and we WANT it to be God’s will. Do we think
we can change His mind?
The prime example of seeking God’s will comes
from our Savior; Jesus Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane-
Luke 22:41-“And he was withdrawn
from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, 42 Saying,
Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my
will, but thine, be done. 43 And there appeared an angel unto him from
heaven, strengthening him. 44 And being in an agony he prayed more
earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to
the ground. 45 And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his
disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow,”
Notice- He was praying.
He prayed and said “Not MY will, but thine.’ Then an angel came and
strengthened Him.
We need to trust God in knowing that He loves
us and wants the best for us. So, if He closes a door, it’s for our good.
Yes, we need to “step out on faith”-however, praying for God’s peace and
discernment in decisions is essential. God is not the author of confusion;
He will bring peace about your decision.
Seeking “God’s will” is in essence the act of
performing it.
If God leads me to a valley, it’s because He
wants me to teach me something in that valley. Not long ago, I heard this
quote; “I learned MORE from the hard times in my life than I EVER learned in
the good times.” Suffering is hard. Valleys are hard. However God is
faithful and He wants us to learn to lean on Him.
The Apostle Paul wrote;
2 Corinthians 1-“He comforts us in all
our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will
be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. 5 For the more we
suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through
Christ. 6 Even when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your
comfort and salvation!”
God’s will is perfect, even if WE think
otherwise.
So- which door are you choosing? Choosing
God’s will or YOUR will?
Bryan can be contacted at
vbryanhutson@hotmail.com
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