Closed Doors

“Nevertheless not My will, but Yours…”
- Luke 22:42

You don’t see people really looking for doors to be closed in their life, do you? It’s not natural for us to look for opportunities to fall to the floor, plans to crumble before us, and persistence to produce little to no results.

To avoid these scenarios, we seek after doors to be opened. We pray for “the big” to happen. C’mon, we live in a society where we require options to be available. Pain and rejection is what we aim to avoid at all costs.

But there is something so exciting about closed doors. If you look closely, you may see someone much bigger than you influencing the situation.

Here are some familiar closed doors that seem to be open for a select few people, but not you. Don’t worry, many people can relate!

Chance happenings - For example, a soon to be actor that’s spotted randomly in the mall by an agent. The seemingly great job that the other guy or girl just happens to get out of nowhere.

Environment – Imagine this. What if you were born in Hawaii? Or into a millionaire family that owns a high-rise condo in New York? What if your dad was an NFL coach and trained you to be a pro athlete?

Lucky Thoughts – Don’t you wish you were the one who thought of creating Google? You drink coffee but never thought to launch Starbucks. If you only made that you-tube video, you would be FAMOUS. It seems everyone else has the great ideas!

The Knack – Trump has the keen business sense. Beyonce has the star quality in addition to a perfect voice. Will Smith is a multi-talented, multi-millionaire. It kind of makes me sick…lol.

In life, closed doors are a way for God to guide us in His will and purpose. Notice I said HIS. Closed doors are as powerful and as vital as open opportunities. If we’re fully submitted, it’s easy to see God channeling us towards a clear path that has been designed for us. Don’t lose hope. There are “chance” happenings and life changing thoughts that are around the corner but they may not fit your natural expectations.

As you pursue your goals, pray for both open AND closed doors. His plan, His way, His timing. Look at closed doors with the eyes of faith because there is something divine in the works. Facing a closed door in your life? Don't worry, it's all part of the bigger picture. Lord, let thy will be done.

Pop The Culture,

B.W.P

E-Leader Brand - pt. 3 - Self Aware

"Do not neglect the gift that is in you..."
- 1 Timothy 4:14

Maximizing your influence in the public arena requires a solid understanding of your capabilities, strengths, and gifts. The influence of an Evangeleader expands as he or she commits to leveraging these capabilities and centering their life mission around them.

The reason why so many believers are unproductive in life is because we focus our time, energy, and other resources in the wrong zones. We hold onto faith, but our daily efforts don’t align with what we’ve been created to do. Yes, we’ve been created to love, glorify our creator, and serve others. That strategy to life is an overarching vision but lacks a tactical approach. The question is HOW should we fulfill that vision? It’s the “HOW” that adds substance to our daily lives. The “How” is tangible, measurable, and REAL. Answering the question “How?” requires a level of self-awareness.

You’ve heard it a billion times from preachers and pastors…”you’ve been given a gift”. The funny thing is if we all know this, how come we’re still stuck in unfulfilling jobs. How come we carry this sense that there is something else we should be doing. In fact, many believers cannot clearly write down their capabilities and how they intend on using them.

The core of an Evangeleader’s journey consists of:

- Defining your capabilities and strengths (gifts and talents)
- Refining and developing those capabilities
- Devoting resources (emotions, thoughts, time, finances, etc.) to those capabilities
- Seeking opportunities to exercise those strengths and capabilities – In other words, walking in your design.

Evangeleaders differ from other believers because they not only have faith, but they are aware of how they should be used in life. They continue to align their efforts with their God given design. In fact, God gives us more grace when we are walking in our “calling”. We are energized, empowered, and motivated to keep moving forward. I’ve also observed that doors are opened to support your advancement when you faithfully give yourself over to purpose.

Don’t waste another day not knowing and leveraging your core abilities. Self-awareness is necessary in order to position yourself where you can influence others and serve our God. Here are some practical self-awareness tips:

- Ask God to reveal the unique strengths He has given you.
- Be attentive and alert. Watch for what you do well and what sparks enthusiasm.
- Patience. Remember it’s a journey.
- Try new things
- Ask questions (see the Power of Questions blog entry)
- Address discontent and restlessness quickly. Get to the root of it.
- Be willing to let go. Hold onto the good and get rid of the weights that keep you from moving.

Creation implies purpose and purpose is carried out through "gifts"...don't neglect the gift that is in you!


If you’ve found these blog entries beneficial, please subscribe using the buttons to your top right. I’d like to keep in touch with you!


Pop The Culture,

B.W.P