Has God ever closed the door on an opportunity in your life? Maybe you don’t get the job you were hoping for, or a relationship doesn’t pan out the way you wanted. When Christians run into frustrations or obstacles, we often interpret those difficulties as a sign from God that this isn’t His will for us.

That may indeed be the case. But as this devotional from Nehemiah Ministries points out, sometimes we’re a little too quick to conclude that God is telling us “no”:

Scripture abounds with examples of those who found open doors at points when many would have concluded they were bolted shut. As we read through the Bible, we find numerous instances where individuals reached important horizons late in life, or after repeated tries, or in spite of extreme obstacles. Sarah conceives a child when both she and Abraham are elderly, and a number of years later Abraham remarries after Sarah dies. Isaac’s servants dig a well successfully after two major thwarted attempts. Joseph realizes his dream of leadership after years of servitude and imprisonment. Moses becomes a champion of his people forty years after his first passionate attempt utterly fails. David becomes king of Israel in spite of severe ridicule from his brothers, apathy from his father, and numerous battles with Saul’s forces. Hannah gives birth to many children long after her husband has accepted her barrenness and encouraged her to do the same. Ruth finds joy in a new marriage after her first husband dies; and Naomi, bereft of her husband and both sons, finds unexpected solace in a grandchild born to Ruth. Zechariah and Elizabeth are blessed with a child in their old age, and the angel declares that this gift is in response to their longstanding prayer.

It isn’t easy to determine whether a frustration is an obstacle we are meant to overcome, or a “closed door” from God—but the devotional goes on to talk about how to discern each situation.

Has this happened to you recently? Was the obstacle you encountered a test of faith to be endured, or was it a prompt from God to focus your attention elsewhere?

- Originally published at Gospel.com. Reprinted with permission.