Once in awhile I strike conversations with people who tell me that so and so have closed doors against them, denied them of opportunities, and delayed of their promotions. I sympathize with these kinds of people. And yes it hurts. Note that, since I relate to their circumstances, I don’t judge them for their frustrations and bitterness.

Of course, we should sometimes take responsibilities and admit that some of such unfortunate happenings might be our own makings. In such cases, we should work on ourselves; avoid blaming others for our shortcomings.

But there are apparent denials and you know it that they are unfair, biased, and unjust. Even in such cases, what should we do? Complain, complain, curse, and become bitter, what have you; or should we believe in our God whom we trust, the one who makes sure everything works in our favor? Should we stay in that depressive state for so long and stop believing any more or should we move on while smiling to knock another door and seek another opportunity for growth? We have choices. What do you choose?

Think about Jesus, the ultimate leader… Pilate thought that he was the one who could open or close the door of life for or against Jesus. He even told Jesus that he could let him go without facing crucifixion, regardless of the cry of his accusers. Look at Jesus’ attitude. He didn’t agree with Pilate’s assessment. He replied and said to Pilate that he didn’t have any control except given by his Father from Heaven. Mind you, if Pilate released Jesus, Jesus might have lived another forty or fifty years on earth. But this opened door of opportunity to save his years on earth would have come with incalculable lost of glory. Since he undermined the proposed opportunity, he remains an eternal king of kings. Since he declined to pass through the wrong door, we have Christianity and restoration into our former glory through Jesus’ redemptive work. Let’s learn from Jesus on how to deal with setbacks, crises, and denials.