Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again—my Savior and my God! (Psalm 43:5 NLT)

One early morning, a forceful knock at the front door, followed by the doorbell, seemed peculiar. As I opened the door, a man greeted me, inquired about the property, and asked if I was the homeowner. I hesitated before answering his questions, wondering about his hidden agenda and motives.

Suddenly, he informed me with the shockingly bad news that the house I was renting was in foreclosure, and a publicized auction had been scheduled. I was speechless and very confused.

As he was leaving, I immediately called the rental company for an explanation about how this could be happening. They later confirmed that the homeowner had failed to make the mortgage payments and had defaulted on two properties in the area.

I was very angry and upset because I had faithfully paid the rent on time each month. I felt humiliated, distressed, and troubled about the situation.

Frankly, I did not know what to do! My resources and options were limited since our family income would not qualify to purchase the home, nor pay the $20,000 required to bid at the auction.

Honestly, I wasted too much time worrying about it instead of casting my cares on the Lord (see 1 Peter 5:7). I had to declare and confess to God that I completely depended on Him. My declaration of dependence on God only set me free from self-dependence and self-reliance.

In faith, I decided to attend the auction, not knowing what to expect. Just being there in that environment, I felt hopeless and sad. Tears ran down my face, quietly weeping in grief, not knowing my fate, because my family had no place to go and reside.

I intentionally arrived early. As I stood on the courthouse steps, a man approached me asking which house I was bidding on. I told him that, unfortunately, I was not there to bid and explained my situation. He said that my house was the house he came to bid on.

Brokenhearted, I told him every detail about this beautiful custom-built dream house. He was overjoyed and inspired to keep bidding over the man who had previously knocked at my front door.

Later that evening, I welcomed the new owner and his family into my home. They were overwhelmed because the house was far more lovely than they had imagined. We created a rental agreement and a timely plan to swap homes. My family moved into their townhouse with an open lease until I found a larger house. Six months later, I found one, received the keys, and opened the door to my present residence-- and I can faithfully say I will soon be mortgage-free.

Our encounter was truly a godsend during my time of need. We may not understand why unexpected things happen in our lives, but we can trust God will help us at just the right moment because His timing is perfect. He is never late, but always on time.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Which doors has God been closing—and which ones is He opening?

God may be using closed doors as a time to prepare you for what is to come. God has a bigger picture in mind for you, too.

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Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.