“When God closes one door He opens another, but it can be hell in the hallway.”
I’m not sure where the quote originated, but the first time I heard it, I chuckled. It was an “Oh boy, can I relate to that!” kind of chuckle. Honestly, I think most of us have been able to relate to that statement at some point in our lives.
Seasons of transition can be difficult. Seasons when the old is gone but the new isn’t quite yet. Seasons of waiting when nothing really makes sense. Seasons when you know the place God led you to earlier has dried up, but there is no clear sense of a new assignment. You can’t go back to what was, but you also can’t see the way forward.
I’ve been in one of those seasons for what has seemed like a very long time. And sure enough, it was hell in the hallway …
Until it wasn’t.
Until I stopped waiting and started living.
Until I stopped pining for what wasn’t and started focusing on what is.
Until I learned the secret of contentment in any situation.
Until I realized I could bring heaven right into that hallway anytime and anywhere.
Does that mean I’ve given up on going forward? Or that I’ve stopped believing for “more” or for the fulfillment of God’s specific promises? Of course not! If anything I’m more convinced than ever that God is up to something beyond anything we can hope or imagine. I’m more convinced than ever that He has a specific place and a specific purpose for me in His plans.
Because I’m more convinced than ever that He is who He says He is.
And who He is doesn’t change regardless of the season. Who He is doesn’t change regardless of how long we wait. Who He is doesn’t change regardless of what does or does not happen in any given situation.
So these days I’ve decided to just start dancing in the hallway. I’ve decided to sing, to praise, to shout and to rejoice–right where I am–because my God is good all the time.
I won’t lie and say I rest in that place of His goodness all the time. It is still a daily choice. Sometimes it is a moment by moment battle. Sometimes (probably far too often) I fail. But I have learned it is possible to live in Heaven’s perfect peace anytime and anywhere …
Even in a very long hallway.
Cindy Powell 
“Until I stopped waiting and started living.” Oh, that is so good! That’s transformation, when waiting becomes heaven, too, because it’s life in the Father’s embrace. It’s the transition from an event-driven life in Christ to a life lived in and for Divine fellowship. God seems to enjoy our relationship a lot more than the “new things” we’re waiting for. Good stuff! Blessings.
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“The transition from an event-driven life in Christ to a life lived in and for Divine fellowship” – yeah, in a nutshell, that is it. So good. I’ve said many times that I’ve come to realize that so often we’re in a hurry to get somewhere, when God just wants to take a walk with us. Been learning to enjoy the journey for a while now, but I still need to keep coming back to that simple place of fellowship – of living life in His embrace. It’s so much better there. Blessings to you Mel!
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Oh Cindy this is exactly where I am and I love Gods patience as we try to figure it all out!! We were singing “awesome in this place” at Bible study and God spoke a word for me to share that God is awesome in the place where we are at this very moment!! It was a huge break through for me!! I love you and I pray nothing but open doors ahead for you!
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Amen. He is the I AM – His presence is in the present. Been praying for you – so glad to hear He is breaking through! Love and hugs to you ❤
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Cindy,
Just finished your book…And I pray with you that we will love the way He loves until His love leads us home…certainly an echo from John 17 and the key to his heart. Thanks for sharing your heart and His. Now I must stop and read your blog, 🌹🌹
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Yes, dancing in the hallway with Him by our side brings heaven closer and helps us believe to see His plans and purpose for His bride. Sometimes tears must pour before we can clearly see as He does. Blessings to you!
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So true, Glenda … amazing how those tears can clear our perspective. He is so wonderfully good and patient with us–and I’m so glad! Thanks also for taking the time to read the book – continuing to say yes and amen to that prayer! Blessings and hugs to you!
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I love this, I was just sharing with two of my girlfriends a similar experience. As our faith is being stretched to leave our familiar place of dwelling to a higher calling from our Heavenly Father we become tense instead of relaxing and resting in Him. At those times I’m often reminded of the Israelites that remained in the wilderness. I begin to see my wilderness is the fears within my own mind and then rise up in faith as Joshua and Caleb did and cross over to the promised land. As we walk through our valleys of the shadow of death, we may at times have to go through trembling as we remind ourselves as David did that our redeemer is right there with us. It gives us hope not to linger, but to rise to higher heights and deeper depths on our journey. We can be so thankful for the Holy Spirit that’s leading and guiding us as was in the case of the Israelites. Yet, unlike them that died in the wilderness we don’t have to settle today. We know the end of the story. We are more than conquerors in Christ Jesus. We look to the finished work at Calvary, and take up our cross and follow him.
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Such good stuff. You are right, so blessed to already know the end of the story! Thanks so much for adding your insights. Blessings to you!
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You are so welcome. Blessing to you as you share revelation knowledge!!!
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Hi Cindy … I have tried 3 times to leave a comment but get tied up in WordPress things that don’t allow me to continue.
I just wanted to say well done. You represent our Father’s heart well and I thank God for His bringing you into my life so many months (or years) ago in Pattaya. Thank you for using your gift to serve Him and us.
Love & prayers … Dianne
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Oh Dianne!!! You have no idea how happy it made my heart to see your comment! (I’m sorry it was such a cumbersome process–thank you for persevering!) I think of you and pray for you so so often! I cannot believe it has been a full year (this month) since God allowed our paths to intersect in Pattaya. I carry that city in my heart daily and eagerly await the time He directs me to return. Much love and many prayers to YOU!! xo
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