Challenging Normal

It seems that there are some huge things happening for Stockbridge Assembly, Thrive, and even for us personally. Over the past several weeks we have seen many chances to make an impact in our community. So many chances that I am not sure we can tackle all of them. It has made me sit back and ask if some of these were open doors that God has set in front of us, or just good opportunities. I have learned over the years that there is a difference between an open door and just a good opportunity.

Here is the difference. If it is a door that God is opening, there is nothing that you did to bring your way and it is always at the perfect time. It usually is something that only God can truly get the credit for. Most of the time you sit back and ask how it happened.

Good opportunities are great but sometimes do not line up with what God has called you to do. Sometimes they can actually take away from your mission and distract you. My prayer is that we will not be distracted by the many good things that are happening and miss the God thing that we are called to.

If you are wondering if it is truly a door God is opening, then ask if there is any way that any one else could have opened it. Can any one else take the credit for. And on the flip side, can any one really close it. My prayer for you and for us is that God will open the doors that no man can shut and shut the doors that no man can open.