Open Doors
Arise therefore, go down and go with them, doubting nothing; for I have sent them.” Acts 10:20
It’s been a full couple of weeks. This past weekend was an annual conference at church, and the days leading up to it were packed with activity. In addition to the conference prep, I was invited to speak at two smaller events, which added more preparation and planning to my already full schedule.
I’ve realized over the years just how valuable my time is, so when unexpected opportunities come along, I now pause and seek direction from God as He often opens doors when we are busiest. I used to think that a full schedule was reason enough to say “no.” But now I realize something deeper. Sometimes, those unexpected invitations are God’s way of not only growing others but strengthening me, too. When I trust God’s grace to provide the time and resources I need, He always makes room and even blesses me with margin I didn’t expect.
In today’s passage, there is an unplanned interruption in Peter’s life. At first glance, it doesn’t seem like he was busy because he was simply staying at a friend’s house, waiting for a meal. But what happened next was a major shift. Three men arrived unexpectedly, sent by Cornelius, and Peter welcomed them and left with them the next morning. That wasn’t just a small adjustment. Peter wasn’t just anyone, he was a leading figure in the early church, likely carrying many responsibilities. Yet, he made space for God’s assignment.
Notice when the vision came to Peter: while he was spending quiet time in prayer. That’s when the Spirit told him about the men who were coming. It’s a powerful reminder of the importance of having a daily plan that includes intentional time with God. That time will equips you to recognize His voice and respond when He speaks.
I hear a lot of talk these days about boundaries, and yes, wisdom is necessary. But I want to encourage you to stay open to what God may be inviting you into, especially if it’s outside your comfort zone. Don’t automatically say “no” just because it disrupts your routine, seems costly, or doesn’t fit neatly into your calendar. When God calls, He equips. When He opens a door, He provides what’s needed to walk through it. Remember Philip? God told him to go, and he did and was even supernaturally transported to his next assignment. God is still that intentional and powerful.
Here are some ways you can practically apply this in your own life:
- Start each day with prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to guide your schedule and decisions.
- Pay attention to unexpected opportunities, not all interruptions are distractions. Some are divine assignments.
- Ask God for discernment when you’re unsure whether to commit. He knows what you can handle and what He’s equipped you to do.
Today I want to encourage you because you don’t have to navigate every decision alone. God is faithful to guide you and give you wisdom. When He calls you into something new, whether big or small, He will provide all you need. Stay close to Him. Keep the conversation going throughout the day, and trust that He knows how to make everything fit perfectly into your time.
Today’s scripture reading: Acts 10:17-23
17 Peter was very perplexed. What could the vision mean? Just then the men sent by Cornelius found Simon’s house. Standing outside the gate,
18 they asked if a man named Simon Peter was staying there.
19 Meanwhile, as Peter was puzzling over the vision, the Holy Spirit said to him, “Three men have come looking for you.
20 Get up, go downstairs, and go with them without hesitation. Don’t worry, for I have sent them.”
21 So Peter went down and said, “I’m the man you are looking for. Why have you come?”
22 They said, “We were sent by Cornelius, a Roman officer. He is a devout and God-fearing man, well respected by all the Jews. A holy angel instructed him to summon you to his house so that he can hear your message.”
23 So Peter invited the men to stay for the night. The next day he went with them, accompanied by some of the brothers from Joppa.
Journal:
- What recent opportunity or interruption might actually be an open door from God?
- Write it down, pray about it, and ask God to show you if He’s inviting you to say “yes.”
- Write out what trusting Him with your schedule would look like this week.
The Daily Dose 