Not every door that is closed is from God closing it. Some of them, you have closed. Some opportunities are only once-in-a-lifetime and they cannot be revisited. However, don’t miss the next ones to come by focusing too much on the missed ones. The ones that were missed are gone! If you are reminded of them by God, it is only to gently encourage you to not make the same mistake again. Yes, the memory may be painful but God’s intention is to use it to instruct you and lead you into greener pastures. Don’t spend your time trying to pull open a door that has been locked in the past. Instead walk through the doors that are opening right in front of you now.

What does this require? Faith. Trust. Motivation. Focus. Discipline. Belief. God may be trying to cultivate these character qualities into your life. Which ones seem to apply to you now?

Final thought: Don’t miss your next opportunity by trying to recreate the last one you missed.

Oswald Chambers said:

“Oh, the deep, unending sadness for what might have been! God never again opens the doors that have been closed. He opens other doors, but He reminds us that there are doors which we have shut– doors which had no need to be shut. Never be afraid when God brings back your past. Let your memory have its way with you. It is a minister of God bringing its rebuke and sorrow to you. God will turn what might have been into a wonderful lesson of growth for the future.”

For further reading:

41 As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it 42 and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes. 43 The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. 44 They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you.” Luke 19:41-44