Confronting Closed Doors Dr. Charles Stanley

 

Click here: TV Outline-Current - InTouch Ministries - Dr. Charles Stanley Confronting Closed Doors Click here: InTouchTV - InTouch Ministries - Dr. Charles Stanley July 9, 2006 When we feel able to take advantage of opportunities, we speak of doors opening. When those opportunities seem beyond our reach, we speak of doors closing. But how do those doors open and close? Who does the opening and closing? And what do we do when, for whatever reason, perfectly good doors close and stay closed? Considering the example of the apostle Paul and his missionary journeys, Dr. Stanley explores that idea in this week's message, Confronting Closed Doors. Who is responsible for the closed doors? Circumstances Others Satan God What does “door” mean in scripture? Opportunity–1 Corinthians 16:8-9; 2 Corinthians 2:12; Colossians 4:2-3) Why does God close doors? To keep us from making a mistake To redirect us to: Greater opportunity Greater fruitfulness Greater satisfaction Greater Pain To test our faith To equip us for a bigger opportunity Because we’re not ready Because our disobedience has disqualified us.  How should we respond to closed door in our life? There are two possibilities: The wrong way: Try to open the door Get it open through someone else Become emotionally upset Blame someone else The right way: Wait for further instruction. Look for God’s purpose. Anticipate a new opportunity Thank Him Be faithful where you are.    Click here for Sunday's outline. Scripture Memory Verses & Thought Proverbs 3:5-6 See the verse in context.   Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.   Trusting in God—not ourselves Solomon's command to trust in the Lord, and not in our own understanding, does not mean that we should stand completely still, waiting for a supernatural sign before we make any decision. In most cases, we are to ask for wisdom, as Solomon did, and use it. God's Promise   For from days of old they have not heard or perceived by ear, nor has the eye seen a God besides You, Who acts in behalf of the one who waits for Him.   Isaiah 64:4 Wait on the Lord Sometimes a closed door simply means wait. But how do we know? Read what the Bible says. Subscribe to the podcast. | Watch online. TV Archives Watch past TV programs here. Video Feature Archives Visit our features archive to experience inspiring stories of faith, hope, courage, and grace. Related Resources Facing Life's Obstacles 4-tape audio set – FLOAB $22 (Canada $26) 4-CD set – FLOCB $25 (Canada $33) 4-tape video set – FLOVB $50 (Canada $68) 2-DVD set – FLODB $40 (Canada $54) Order Summer Renewal Kit How to Keep Kids on Your Team version – SRKKITCD $39.99 (Canada $49.99) Handle With Prayer version – SRPKITCD $39.99 (Canada $49.99) The Wonderful Spirit-Filled Life version – SRSKITCD $39.99 (Canada $49.99) Order Charting a New Course When the apostle Paul encountered a closed door, he evaluated his heading. And if necessary, he changed course.   Discover more about your spiritual gifts...  How do I find out which spiritual gifts I have? How can I know I’m using the specific gift God has given me? Find answers to these questions and more.