Some doors closing lately have felt like loss, rejection, or a sign that something went wrong.

But what if God is the one closing them — and doing it on purpose?

Angel: You’re closing more doors for her?

God: I am. And they’re closing in her favor, even though she doesn’t see it that way yet.

Grief is part of trusting God.

– Jacqueline Whitney

Angel: Will she understand?

God: Not today. Today it just feels like loss. Like rejection. Like I’m keeping her from what she wants. She’ll be confused. She might be angry. She might wonder what she did wrong.

Angel: What’s behind the doors you’re closing?

God: Things that would’ve slowly drained her. People who would’ve taken more than they gave. Opportunities that looked good but would’ve led her away from her actual purpose. Situations that would’ve kept her small. Versions of her life that wouldn’t have fit who she’s becoming.

Angel: She’s going to grieve those doors.

God: She is. And that’s okay. Grief is part of trusting me. She has to feel what she feels. But while she’s grieving, I’m preparing better doors. Doors I’ll open that she didn’t even know to ask for. Doors that lead to the life she’s actually meant for.

Angel: When will she see what you’ve been doing?

God: When the right doors open. She’ll look back at every closed door and finally understand. She’ll see that what felt like loss was actually love. That my no’s were always making room for better yeses.

Jacqueline Whitney is the author Held: A 50 Day Devotional For Parents and All That You Deserve.