Dear beloved: Many times when we see a door of opportunity close we think we may have failed, or that maybe God doesn't know how much we want to do something, or we may think that in some way we know better than God about the timing or advancing of an event. Proverbs 16:9 says, In his heart a man plans(devises) his ways, but the Lord directs his steps. Ultimately, God sees the whole picture and therefore His timing is always perfect, and His plan is always the perfect plan.
Recently I was at a fellowship meeting and a prophet/evangelist stood up to preach, but before he began to preach he spoke this word: for someone in this room, the Lord is saying to you tonight, Opportunity delayed is not opportunity denied. Instantly I knew that the word was for me, as just that very day I was intending to be on a plane headed for Kenya to do the first of a series of crusades, but I had instead decided to postpone the crusades until this summer to give more time gain provision and a stronger team. It was a very painful and agonizing decision to have to postpone, and yet I knew ultimately that it was the right thing to do as I just didn't feel ready in the appointed time frame I had given for myself.
Acts 16:7And when they (Paul and his companions) came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bythnia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. v8 So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. v9 During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, "Come over to Macedonia and help us." v10 After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them. And so as God closed one door for Paul, He opened another, and for reasons known only to Him, sent Paul and His companions to Macedonia where someone was begging for them to come. Beloved, do not be discouraged if the door that seemed to be open is suddenly closed, for God can open doors that no man can shut, and shut doors that no man can open. He is the sovereign God over all things; just keep watching, keep praying, and be ready to move when the next door of opportunity opens. God bless you this day, in Christ, Jim
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