Restricted Area

Interesting how an elevator ride can bring about God's truths in our hearts. I had a doctor appointment in a building with 5 floors. As I rushed in the building and entered the elevator, a nice lady held the elevator door open for me. Each of us pressed the button to the floor we wanted to go. As we waited in the elevator, the elevator stopped on the number 3 and just stalled. We were wondering why the elevator door did not open. We kept waiting. Then I saw in big red letters "RESTRICTED AREA". We kept waiting and waiting and still the doors would not open. After a few minutes, we both wondered if we were stuck in the elevator and what to do next. However, after a few more minutes, the elevator proceeded to take us back to the first floor. We exited the elevator, consulted the directory where the lady said, they do not have a fourth floor listed and that is the button I pressed. So we both returned to the elevator and pressed the 5th floor button. At last, the elevator ascended to the fifth floor. As we were going to the 5th floor, the lady and I talked about how nice it was not to have been on the elevator alone when it stalled earlier. As the elevator doors opened, we both exited and went about to our destinations. As I reflected on this event, God began to teach me some truths about this experience.

We all hurriedly go about our lives and go about our plans. We get on the "elevator of life" and press the button because we think we know where we are going and how to get there. However, there are times where we want to go or where we think we want to go is not where God wants us to go. When those times happen, God closes the doors and they will not open. We are stalled. We receive the "Restricted Area" from God. It is at those times, that God takes us back to the beginning, back to the directory so we can consult him and determine the path Hewants us to take. Once He has given us clear direction on the path He wants us on, then we can get back on the "elevator of life" and proceed to the place He wants us to be. Then He opens the doors at the appropriate time and place where we can proceed to His destination for us.

Just as in the elevator experience, the lady and I expressed how thankful we were that we were not alone on the elevator. God also teaches us that we are not alone when we take our "elevator of life" journey. He is always there. He is there when we face the "restricted areas" of our lives and He is there when He opens the doors for us to proceed to our destination He has prepared for us.

How do we handle situations when apparently the doors are closed? When we come across "restricted areas" in our lives, where do we go? Do we proceed on our own or do we go back to the Lord and get His guidance and direction?

May God direct your paths today as you look to Him for direction and as you enter your "elevator of life" journey.