Closed Doors...__________ 

"When they were past the first and the second guard posts, they came to the iron gate that leads to the city, which opened to them of its own accord; and they went out and went down one street, and immediately the angel departed from him." Acts 12:10

As Peter finds himself in prison waiting to be executed, prayer is made for him by the church and God sends an angel to release him from prison.  The angel wakes Peter up and begins to lead him out of the prison.  Peter doesn't realize at first that what he is experiencing is actually happening, he thinks it's only a vision.  As the angel leads Peter out of the city they come to a closed iron gate, and without any effort from Peter or the angel leading him the iron gate opens up all by itself.  Peter passes through the open gate to freedom.

Here's a thought...As we follow the leading of the Holy Spirit we are sure to encounter closed doors.  The enemy surely wants to keep us from completing the mission God has given us.  And, just because we do encounter closed doors does not mean we are walking outside of God's will.  If we like Peter will only stay on the path the Lord is leading us down, when we encounter closed doors, the Lord will open them for us!  It would have been impossible for Peter to open that iron gate himself.  We likewise come to closed doors that we are powerless to open by our own strength, but just like Peter, we don't have to!  They will open for us if we just stay on track!  When you come against that "iron gate" that seems impassable don't turn around!  Stay on course, and the Lord will open it for you!

"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you." Isaiah 43:2