How to approach a door

One of my best friends recently sent an email to a group of friends posing the following question: 

"At what point do you stop trying a door and give in to rest? Resting in the fact that you tried the door enough times and that indeed it 
really is closed? And what fuels you to keep running up against a 
closed door 'just one more time'?" 
After reading a number of excellent responses, I finally came around with a few thoughts of my own.  Figured I'd post them here, in case anyone ever asks themselves the same questions...

If I may, I will offer a personal example. Last year, I fervently pursued one of my desires (a Master's Degree in French and Education), truly hoping that it was also God's will for me. I thought that if it wasn't His will, he would make it obvious and close that door. But, our loving Father doesn't always act in such ways. Instead, he keeps us searching (searching our hearts and searching for Him), and teaches us along the way.

I soon discovered, as I pursued this avenue, that that door remained open. However, I wasn't fully at peace. Things were 'sort of' working out, but left me feeling uneasy. After months of knocking, and even beginning to walk through the door, I finally broke down.  I admitted to God and to myself, that this was MY will, but not God's. I had been refusing to listen to those whispers all along. No sooner did I lay down this desire, and surrender it to God saying "ok, I give up, I want your will above my own", that another door opened (which enabled me to gain experience in a counseling setting). This first door (obtaining my MA) had become my "Isaac" that I needed to sacrifice. When I finally laid it down, I was able to see the door that I was actually supposed to go through. God also opened my eyes to the fact that my true desire was not to pursue my studies in education, but in counseling. God, of course, knew this before I did! And now, a year later, I can see how God is going to fulfill the desire that I surrendered to Him by opening another door (a MA in Marriage and Family Therapy through an online program)...he's just asked me to wait for Him to open it (hopefully next year! I keep asking, but am at peace with the waiting).

 I think that there are a number of reasons why God doesn't always open the doors on which we knock. Sometimes, it is simply because it is the wrong door. Other times, it may be the right door, but the wrong time (in which case, keep knocking!). I believe that He wants us to surrender, and look to Him, rather than to the door for our soul's satisfaction.

To answer the question a little more directly, I think that it depends on whether you feel like you have some clarity on the door being part of God’s will or not. If you do believe that the door is in God’s will, even if it seems hopeless, keep on knocking (Matt. 7:7). But if you haven’t gotten any clarity on whether it is God's will or just your own desire, and the door is not opening, I would encourage you to pause and listen, and maybe even look for other doors.

And if I may add one more thought. Let's look to the example of our dear friend Paul (who sets the bar mighty high), who had learned the secret of being content in any and every situation (Phil.4:12). Yes, God wants us to knock, but God also wants us to be content in every situation. In my case (above), I had to learn to be content with where God had me at the time, because that was right where He wanted me.

Blessings to all, as you continue to work through this labyrinth called life. May you find HIM in the closed and open doors on which you knock. Ever grateful for His infinite patience with us.

Still learning,
Caroline