Daily Devotional for August 21, 2022
When God Closes a Door
The Wong family had just come back from church. The two girls, Mei and Ping, were heartbroken. Pastor John was leaving their church.
“Why does Pastor John have to go?” asked Mei. “Doesn’t he love us? How could he just leave us like that?”
“You should know the answer,” replied Ping. “You were misbehaving during church last week. He must’ve gotten mad at you and decided to leave!”
“What? Are you blaming me?” asked Mei.
“Hold on,” said Dad. “Pastor John has good reasons for leaving—and they have nothing to do with us. He has been praying about this decision for a long time.”
Mom agreed. “I know it’s hard on you girls since you’ve known Pastor John since you were young. But we can trust that God has great plans for him.”
Later that year, the Wong family decided to pay Pastor John a visit. They even brought his favorite dessert—apple pie. Pastor John was delighted to see them.
“How have you been, Pastor John?” asked Dad.
“I’m doing very well! God has led me to serve Him in a new ministry,” replied Pastor John. “You see, I used to be a troubled teen. I got into fights and drugs. It was only after I knew Jesus that my life turned around.”
Pastor John turned to Mei and Ping. “Have you heard the saying, ‘When God closes one door, He opens another’?”
The girls shook their heads.
“After I left the church, God gave me an opportunity to be a counselor and help at-risk youths at a rehab center,” said Pastor John. “I’m able to empathize with them, and I’ve even been able to share my story with some of them. Jesus helped me know He loved me by sending caring people into my life when I was struggling, and now He’s using me to help others.”
“I think I get it,” said Mei. “When you prayed and God led you to step away from the church, it was like God was closing a door?”
Ping jumped in. “And when you became a counselor, it was like God opened another door for you?”
“Exactly!” said Pastor John.
Mom smiled. “We are so happy for you, Pastor John,” she said. “God has great plans for you!”
-Kelly Choy
How about you?
Have you ever experienced a difficult change that made you sad? Change can be hard, and it’s okay to feel sad and express your feelings to God and to trusted adults. When we face challenging times, we can trust God. He is with us through it all, and He is working all things for His good purposes.
Thank you for reading this Keys for Kids devotional! Did you enjoy the story? Has Keys for Kids been an encouragement to you and your family? If so, would you please consider supporting Keys For Kids Ministries in our effort to continue to provide these daily devotionals to children around the world?