When my 12-year-old car broke down and needed thousands of dollars of repairs, I prayed for God's wisdom, and asked Him what His will was for my situation. When I was certain that I had gotten permission from the Lord to lease a new car, I discussed the matter with my husband, Joe, who gave me his hearty approval.

We went to the car dealership where we had bought cars before, and we test drove two vehicles. I picked one out, and that's when we waited for the salesman to give us a price on that particular model. I had in my mind a specific amount to pay monthly that I did not want to exceed. And while I waited for the salesman to consult his manager, I prayed, "Lord, if this car is not Your best for me, then shut every door against us purchasing it." God knew that I was sincere, and when the salesman and his manager quoted me a price that was over $100 more than I was willing to pay each month, I refused it, thanked the men kindly, and walked out the door with my husband. Part of me was screaming inside, "You fool! What are you going to do about your car situation now?" And I heard my spirit answer, "I'm going to trust God to provide me with the perfect vehicle at the perfect price!"

There is a powerful principle in Revelation 3:7 for believers who want to make decisions based on God's will and purposes for them. This verse reads, "These are the words of Him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What He opens no one can shut, and what He shuts no one can open." (Revelation 3:7 NIV) The text here refers to Christ, and I have discovered over the years that when I need to make a decision of some kind, I can ask Him to shut against me all the wrong doors, and to open wide before me all the right ones. And I have found that He is faithful to do that when I pray this principle with sincerity.

I will be honest and tell you that the next five days were very difficult for me. I wondered just how long I could go without having transportation of my own. And I kept reminding the Lord that I was counting on Him to provide me with an affordable vehicle - and soon! My husband and I had decided that he should take a day off from work to go car shopping. Before we left the house that day, Joe got a call from the sales manager at our dealership. He came down more than $100 in price, and he offered us a more expensive model of the car we liked best, with more options. Joe told him that we would think about it, and he hung up the phone. A few minutes later, the sales manager called back again and offered us an even lower price on the more expensive model. After we prayed about it, Joe and I took the man up on his offer, and I drove my new car home that very day.

As I was thinking about this experience, I felt a surge of gratitude that I had the courage to ask God to shut the door on anything less than His best in my situation. If I hadn't, I might have settled for a mediocre outcome. How might this spiritual principle apply to your situation today?

Prayer: Lord, teach me how to receive Your very best outcome in every situation I face. Don't ever let me settle for less than Your perfect will for me. Shut against me every wrong door, and open wide before me every right door - making me sensitive and obedient to Your Spirit's leading all the way. Thank You that as I make following Your lead my highest priority every day of my life, I will experience Your abundant provision and supply!