Dealing With the Different Door

Sometimes, our minds get so set and determined on what we believe God has in store for us. We bank  on a certain response, result, or reaction. When that response, result, or reaction doesn't occur or isn't reality, we have a tendency to doubt the One who is sovereign over all. "How unfair is He?" "Wasn't this the best way?" "Others affirmed the result...why didn't you allow it to be?"

Dealing with the different door will forever be one of the most difficult parts of the Christian walk. There comes a time when all that we think is right and certain becomes void. Valueless. Trite, foolish, worthy of being discarded.

Because He will always have His way.

For a light example, examine the female's relationship with the website "Pinterest." One is able to "pin" a multitude of recipes, decor ideas, outfits, wedding paraphernalia, hair styles, and even cute kids or well-dressed men onto corresponding boards. For a brief moment, one can have easy access to a dream body and closet, perfect home, insanely unrealistic nails and hair, and delicious food. No stress, no hassle, no work. After a click of a button, boom...those Christian Loubiton heels are "yours" for the enjoying. 

But then we have to log off. 

Reality strikes again, and we realize that our clothes aren't quite the most flashy. Our homes are a wreck. Our friends aren't models, nor is the "buddy-system" for working out a realistic thing. Our husbands and boyfriends mostly could care less about looking like they walked off a J Crew shoot, and frequently, our meals consist of a rapidly thrown-together casserole.

But how beautiful are the lives we lead. 

Our homes are shelter...lived in and filled with the giggles and memories of life.

Our friends are the joy of our hearts, the text that makes us smile, the cry and laugh when we need one.

Our husbands and boyfriends are models of Christ's great love, striving to be leaders...leaders that need our support.

Our meals are a special time. Not for gourmet hullabaloo, for for revitalizing conversation.

And yet, we desire a different path. So much so, that the discontentment we feel steals the joy possible in our circumstances today. 

In all actuality, we aren't dealing with "the different door." We are right where He wants us. Whether you feel like a complete failure, a mistake, or numb from disappointment...you are right where you need to be: in the center of His grace.

At His mercy.

We have lost sight of Romans 8:29. Almost all have heard or read Romans 8:28, "And God works for the good of those who love him..." But so many have missed the vital message of the following verse: "For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son..."

His children are continually being molded into the image of his Son. And I don't remember construction ever being a "fun" or pleasurable idea. 

So right where you are is right where you are. The perfect door.

Make your desires His, and maybe it won't seem so different anymore.