Trusting God Through Life's Open and Closed Doors
Summary
Life is full of uncertainties—about our future, our health, our families, and our work. These uncertainties often leave us feeling stuck, confused, or even fearful, especially when we face changes we didn’t anticipate. Yet, God is intimately involved in every detail of our lives, orchestrating both open and closed doors. He is the doorkeeper, the one who opens doors that no one can shut and shuts doors that no one can open. This truth is a source of great comfort and confidence, reminding us that our lives are not left to chance or chaos, but are guided by the loving hand of our Heavenly Father.
Looking at the life of the Apostle John, we see a powerful example of someone who learned to trust God through every season of change. John’s journey began as a young man with a clear path in the family business, but God called him to something radically different. Each open door in John’s life required him to leave behind comfort and certainty, stepping into the unknown by faith. Whether it was following John the Baptist, becoming a disciple of Jesus, or later being exiled to Patmos, John’s willingness to walk through God’s doors shaped not only his destiny but the destiny of countless others. His story reminds us that obedience to God’s leading, even when it’s difficult or doesn’t make sense, can have a ripple effect far beyond what we can imagine.
Change is never easy, and transition always brings challenge. Our natural tendency is to resist change, to cling to what is familiar. But God uses these moments to grow our faith, to move us from one level of trust to another. Every new door requires a new level of faith, and often, the greatest ingredient needed is courage. Like Peter stepping out of the boat or Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego facing the fiery furnace, it is courage rooted in trust that enables us to step forward. Even when the outcome is uncertain, we can be sure that God is already in our future, preparing the way and providing what we need.
When we encounter closed doors, it’s easy to become disappointed or to blame others—or even the enemy. But Scripture teaches us that God alone has the authority over the doors in our lives. Closed doors are not the end; they are often the beginning of a new opportunity, a new season, or a deeper dependence on God. Our role is not to overthink or try to control every outcome, but to trust the doorkeeper, Jesus Christ, who is always working for our good. In every season, He is faithful to make a way, even when we cannot see it.
Key Takeaways
- God Orchestrates Change Through Open and Closed Doors
God is not passive in the unfolding of our lives; He actively opens and closes doors to guide us into His purposes. Even when a door closes unexpectedly, it is not a sign of abandonment but of divine orchestration. Trusting that God is the doorkeeper brings peace, knowing that no person or circumstance can override His will for us. Our confidence rests in His sovereignty, not in our ability to predict or control outcomes. [11:14]
- Every New Door Requires a New Level of Faith
Faith is not static; it is meant to grow as we journey with God. Each new opportunity or challenge is an invitation to move from faith to faith, stretching beyond our comfort zones. The unknown can be intimidating, but it is also the place where God reveals His faithfulness most powerfully. We must be willing to let go of the familiar and trust God for what we cannot yet see. [17:11]
- Courage is Essential to Step Into God’s Opportunities
Obedience to God’s leading often demands courage, especially when the risks are high or the outcome is uncertain. Biblical examples like Peter walking on water or the three Hebrews in the furnace show that courage is not the absence of fear, but the resolve to trust God above all else. When we take God at His word, He meets us in our weakness and does extraordinary things through ordinary people. [27:49]
- Closed Doors Are Not Defeats, But Divine Redirections
It is easy to misinterpret closed doors as failures or setbacks, but in God’s economy, they are often the means by which He redirects us to something greater. Disappointment can lead to bitterness if we focus on what we’ve lost, but faith looks for God’s hand in every situation. The closed door may be the very thing that positions us for a new season of blessing or growth. [34:13]
- The Doorkeeper is Always Ahead of Us, Preparing the Way
God is not only present in our present; He is already in our future, preparing the way for us. He orchestrates miracles, provides wisdom, and ensures that we are never alone in the journey. Our task is not to overthink or strive, but to trust and follow where He leads, confident that He will make a way even when there seems to be no way. [36:09]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:04] - Facing Uncertainty and the Question “Why?”
[02:15] - Recognizing the Open Door
[03:18] - The Challenge of Stepping Into the Unknown
[04:14] - Navigating Change with God’s Counsel
[05:16] - The Life and Calling of John the Apostle
[07:53] - God’s Call Across Generations
[09:37] - The Role of the Holy Spirit in Change
[11:14] - God’s Authority Over Doors
[12:18] - Open Doors Find Us
[14:16] - The Challenge of Transition
[16:33] - Building a Foundation of Faith
[18:24] - Growing Faith and Leaving Comfort Zones
[20:35] - Why God Calls Us Out of Comfort
[23:03] - The Ripple Effect of Obedience
[26:26] - Don’t Think, Trust
[27:49] - Courage to Step Through the Door
[29:42] - Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego’s Test
[32:03] - God’s Presence in the Fire
[35:23] - The Lord as Our Doorkeeper
[37:39] - John’s Faith Through Trials
[39:47] - God’s Plan and Peace in Every Door
[42:45] - Bringing Disappointments and Decisions to God
[44:33] - God Will Make a Way
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: "God, the Doorkeeper: Trusting Him with Open and Closed Doors"
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### Bible Reading
Revelation 3:7-8 (ESV)
> “And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: ‘The words of the holy one, the true one, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, who shuts and no one opens. “‘I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.’”
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### Observation Questions
1. According to Revelation 3:7-8, who has the authority to open and close doors in our lives? What does it mean that no one can shut what He opens, and no one can open what He shuts?
2. In the sermon, what were some of the major changes and “open doors” in the life of the Apostle John? How did these changes affect his life’s direction? [[05:16]]
3. What examples did the pastor give of people in the Bible who needed courage to step through an open door? [[27:49]]
4. How does the sermon describe our natural reaction to change and transition? [[14:16]]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think God sometimes closes doors, even when we feel ready or eager for a certain opportunity? How does this relate to His role as the doorkeeper? [[11:14]]
2. The sermon says, “Every new door requires a new level of faith.” What does it look like to move “from faith to faith” in real life? [[17:11]]
3. How does the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego help us understand the kind of courage God wants from us when facing uncertainty? [[30:58]]
4. When John was exiled to Patmos, it looked like a closed door. How did God use that situation for a greater purpose? [[39:47]]
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### Application Questions
1. Think about a time when a door closed in your life—maybe a job, relationship, or opportunity. How did you respond? Looking back, can you see God’s hand in that closed door? [[34:13]]
2. Is there an area in your life right now where you sense God might be opening a new door, but you feel afraid or uncertain? What would it look like to step forward in faith and courage, even if you don’t know the outcome? [[18:24]]
3. The sermon says, “Don’t think, trust.” What are some ways you tend to overthink or try to control outcomes instead of trusting God? How can you practice letting go this week? [[26:26]]
4. When facing change, do you find yourself clinging to what’s familiar? What is one practical step you can take to embrace the new thing God might be doing in your life? [[14:16]]
5. The pastor mentioned that obedience to God’s leading can have a ripple effect on others. Who in your life might be impacted by your decision to walk through an open door God is presenting? [[23:03]]
6. How can you encourage someone else who is facing a closed door or a difficult transition right now? What words or actions could help them trust the Doorkeeper? [[42:45]]
7. The sermon reminds us that God is already in our future, preparing the way. How does this truth change the way you approach uncertainty or big decisions? [[36:09]]
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite group members to pray about any open or closed doors they are facing, asking God for faith, courage, and trust in His timing and direction.
Devotional
Day 1: God Opens and Closes Doors for Our Good
God is the one who holds the key to every door in our lives—He opens doors that no one can shut and closes doors that no one can open. Even when we face uncertainty or disappointment, we can trust that every open or closed door is part of His loving plan. Sometimes, what feels like a setback or a loss is actually God redirecting us toward something better, orchestrating our steps for His purpose. When we surrender our need for control and trust the Lord as our doorkeeper, we find peace in knowing He is always working for our good, even when we don’t understand. [11:14]
Revelation 3:7-8 (ESV)
“And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: ‘The words of the holy one, the true one, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, who shuts and no one opens. “‘I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.’”
Reflection: Is there a closed door in your life that you’ve been struggling to understand? What would it look like to lay down your frustration and trust God’s purpose in it today?
Day 2: Every New Door Requires a New Level of Faith
Each time God brings us to a new opportunity or challenge, He is inviting us to grow in faith. The journey from “faith to faith” means that yesterday’s faith is not enough for today’s open doors; we must continually seek a deeper trust in Him. Stepping into the unknown can be daunting, but God uses these moments to stretch us, strengthen us, and show us His faithfulness. As we feed and exercise our faith, we become more willing to leave our comfort zones and experience the miraculous ways God leads us forward. [17:11]
Romans 1:17 (ESV)
“For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, ‘The righteous shall live by faith.’”
Reflection: What is one area where God is calling you to step out in faith right now? How can you intentionally feed and grow your faith in this area today?
Day 3: Courage to Obey God in the Face of Fear
Obeying God often requires courage, especially when the cost is high or the outcome is uncertain. Like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, we may face situations where standing firm in our faith means risking comfort, reputation, or even safety. True courage is not the absence of fear, but the willingness to trust God and do what is right, no matter the consequences. When we take God at His word and step through the doors He opens, He meets us in the fire, protects us, and uses our obedience to display His glory. [32:03]
Daniel 3:17-18 (ESV)
“If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.”
Reflection: Where is God asking you to show courage in your life right now? What step of obedience can you take today, even if you feel afraid?
Day 4: God Is Always in Control—He Goes Before You
No matter how chaotic or uncertain life may seem, God is always in control and goes before us. He is our doorkeeper, orchestrating miracles and providing wisdom even before we know we need it. When we face closed doors or daunting challenges, we can rest in the assurance that God will never leave us or forsake us. He is already in our future, preparing the way and working all things together for our good. [36:09]
Deuteronomy 31:8 (ESV)
“It is the LORD who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”
Reflection: What is one situation where you need to remember that God is already ahead of you? How can you remind yourself of His presence and control as you move forward?
Day 5: Don’t Overthink—Trust God and Step Through the Door
When God makes His will clear, our role is not to overthink or second-guess, but to trust and obey. Overanalyzing can lead to doubt and hesitation, but faith is about taking God at His word and moving forward with confidence. The greatest ingredient for stepping through an open door is simple trust—believing that God is waiting on the other side with wisdom, blessing, and provision. Lay your fears and uncertainties at His feet, and choose to trust Him with your next step. [26:26]
Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV)
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
Reflection: Is there a decision before you where you’ve been overthinking or hesitating? What would it look like to stop analyzing and simply trust God with your next step today?
Quotes
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