No, I didn't say that because of all the times and years I spent going in and out of windows instead of the door, because using the door would be more likely to wake parents up. It's a line from an old song by Dallas Holm. It stuck with me, even though I don't care for the song, because it always struck me as stupid from a Christian perspective. Dallas Holm has some good songs, and does a decent cover of Bob Dylan's I Believe In You, but this song....If you know and like the song, I apologize. I know there's a decent chance that a reader will feel differently than I about it, because the reason I know it is that it was a huge hit on Christian Radio in the late 80s, when my mother's listening choices exposed me to some music that I wouldn't have listened to on my own, especially as a rebellious teen.
Anyway, to me it always seemed to me like if God says no, sneak out, look for a window. But that's probably just me. The truth is that God uses less obvious and different ways to make a way for us to go than we would, so maybe a window makes more sense than looking for another door, or waiting for the door to open back up. When my parents shut and locked the door at night it didn't mean we could never use the door again. Turn the knob and pull or push. That's how doors work. I digress....Sometimes God says No, I have something better, but sometimes it's just not yet, which means the door will open. So it might not be a good idea to be sneaking out a window instead of waiting on God.
There are three main times and ways in which we find our path blocked. Now, there are a hundred varieties or possibilities, but I think most, if not all, can be put into one of these three general categories. The first is the idea behind the song above. It's not going to happen. God said no, and if we try to force our will on the situation, to knock the door open, it won't turn out well, even if we succeed. The first Biblical example of that which pops into my mind is one of my favorite Old Testament tales. It can be found in Numbers 22, but here's the gist. Balaam was on his way to curse Israel on behalf of one of their enemies. God put an angel in the way, which only Balaam's donkey saw at first. The donkey tried to turn away and stop, which inspired Balaam to beat her with a stick. After the third beating the donkey spoke! Why you beating me old man? Paraphrase. Balaam didn't even freak, which just goes to show how oblivious and stupid we get when we're angry. Then the angel of the Lord appeared with a fiery sword in his hand and said, Balaam, you'd be dead if your donkey hadn't detected that I was waitin' there to part your hair when you and my sword connected (Don Fransisco's paraphrase).
God sometimes uses our circumstances to shut a door and say no. When He does, it's not wise to attempt to force it or even go around the obstacle. Just submit to His will. Don't hit the donkey.
God also leads us to a closed door at times, one that we could never open. This isn't to frustrate or discourage us. It is so that He can display His power and glory and show us and others what only He can do on our behalf. The crossing of the Red Sea is a great example of this. The Israelites were trapped between the sea and the enemy. God had led them there, and they moaned and complained. Don't hit the donkey, and don't curse the sea. God showed them He could open the door and keep them safe at the same time. The situation that seems impossible may just be a way for God to show His power on our behalf and His hand on our life. They had to wait a while before the sea parted, but the direction was through the door of the parted water and not around it.
And then there are times when our rebellion, choices and or the things which oppose God get in the way. The door shuts because of opposition to the will of God in our lives. An enemy stands in the way in the form of a closed door, an obstacle we have no hope of overcoming. Like with the walled city of Jericho. But we don't need to run from the path and be afraid. God has the power to bring down the walls.
When God closes a door to say no, there is another way, whether it is another door, or a window or however He chooses, we'll be fine as long as we keep our eyes on Him and follow His direction. When He is just saying not yet because the timing isn't right or He desires to show His power and love on our behalf, then we need to wait, not moan and complain or look for another door or window. And when it is the enemy, then we need to remember that God can bring down the walls of our past and anything that which opposes His will in our lives throws up to stop us. In all of these, the issue is not really the door. It's not our circumstances and situation. It always comes down to letting the Spirit guide and direct our paths. So don't hit the donkey or curse the sea or fear the walled fortress. Wait on the Spirit to show which situation we face and follow His lead through the door or a window or right through the wall.
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