Trusting God's Plan Through Closed Doors
Summary
### Summary
Welcome to New Life Church! Today, we reflect on the unexpected ways God directs our lives, often through closed doors and disrupted plans. I shared a personal story about a planned vacation that turned into a series of frustrating flight cancellations and delays. My wife and I were supposed to go on a Mediterranean cruise, but due to multiple flight issues, we ended up in New Jersey. After much frustration and a lot of waiting, we decided to visit my parents in Florida instead. The next morning, my father had a stroke, and we were able to get him to the hospital in time, which ultimately saved his life. This experience made me realize that God had a better plan for us, even though it was hidden behind a series of closed doors and frustrations.
Proverbs 16:9 tells us, "We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps." This scripture is not just a cliché; it’s a profound truth. God’s plans are always better than ours, even when we don’t understand them. Sometimes, we face closed doors and obstacles, but these are often God’s way of protecting us from ourselves or guiding us to something better. Revelation 3:7 also reminds us that what God opens, no one can close, and what He closes, no one can open. We must trust that God knows what He is doing, even when it feels like everything is going wrong.
The Apostle Paul experienced similar frustrations in his missionary journeys. In Acts 16:6-9, Paul faced multiple closed doors but kept moving forward until God revealed the open door to Macedonia. Paul’s perseverance and faith are examples for us. When our plans don’t work out, we should not quit or doubt God. Instead, we should hold on to faith, keep seeking God, and remain sensitive to His guidance. God’s closed doors are often His way of leading us to something far better than we could have planned for ourselves.
### Key Takeaways
1. God’s Plans Over Ours: Proverbs 16:9 teaches us that while we can make our plans, it is the Lord who determines our steps. This is not a flippant scripture but a profound truth. When our plans fail, it’s often because God has something better in store for us. Trusting in His divine guidance can turn our frustrations into blessings. [38:33]
2. Closed Doors as Protection: Sometimes, God closes doors to protect us from ourselves. We might think we know what’s best, but God’s perspective is infinitely greater. When we face obstacles, it’s crucial to remember that God is often shielding us from unseen dangers or leading us to a better path. [39:53]
3. Perseverance in Faith: The Apostle Paul’s journey in Acts 16:6-9 shows us the importance of perseverance. Despite facing multiple closed doors, Paul kept moving forward, trusting that God would eventually reveal the right path. This teaches us to remain faithful and persistent, even when our plans seem to be falling apart. [49:11]
4. Sensitivity to the Holy Spirit: Being sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s guidance is essential. Paul’s ability to recognize and follow the Spirit’s leading, even when it meant changing his plans, is a model for us. We must continually seek God’s direction and be willing to adjust our course according to His will. [52:38]
5. Repentance and Praise: When we realize that God’s plans are better than ours, it’s important to repent for our frustrations and lack of faith. We should praise God for His wisdom and guidance, acknowledging that His ways are always for our ultimate good. This attitude of gratitude and humility opens our hearts to His continued leading. [41:24]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[20:58] - Labor Day Weekend Chaos
[21:54] - Flight Delays and Cancellations
[22:33] - Misery Map and Personal Experience
[23:21] - Journey to Houston and Newark
[24:12] - Missed Flight to Greece
[24:51] - Rebooking Challenges
[25:31] - Struggles with United Airlines
[26:49] - Terminal Transfers and Boarding Pass Issues
[28:05] - Frustration and Christian Cuss Words
[29:23] - Stuck in New Jersey
[30:51] - Waiting for Luggage
[32:00] - Decision to Visit Florida
[32:46] - Cyber Shutdown and Delays
[33:57] - Arrival in Florida
[34:29] - Father's Stroke
[36:56] - Realization of God's Plan
[38:33] - Proverbs 16:9 - God Determines Our Steps
[43:03] - Revelation 3:7 - Closed and Open Doors
[46:10] - Apostle Paul's Closed Doors
[49:49] - Lessons from Paul's Journey
[55:12] - Sensitivity to the Holy Spirit
[56:55] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Proverbs 16:9: "We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps."
2. Revelation 3:7: "What he opens, no one can close, and what he closes, no one can open."
3. Acts 16:6-9: "Next, Paul and Silas traveled through the area of Phrygia and Galatia, because the Holy Spirit had prevented them from preaching the word in the province of Asia at that time. Then coming to the borders of Mysia, they headed north for the province of Bithynia, but again the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them to go there. So instead, they went on through Mysia to the seaport of Troas. That night Paul had a vision: A man from Macedonia in northern Greece was standing there, pleading with him, 'Come over to Macedonia and help us!'"
### Observation Questions
1. What personal story did the pastor share to illustrate the theme of God's unexpected guidance? [[36:56]]
2. According to Proverbs 16:9, who ultimately determines our steps, even when we make our own plans? [[38:33]]
3. How did the Holy Spirit guide Paul and Silas during their missionary journey in Acts 16:6-9? [[46:10]]
4. What does Revelation 3:7 say about the doors that God opens and closes? [[43:03]]
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the pastor's story about his father's stroke illustrate the truth of Proverbs 16:9? [[36:56]]
2. Why might God close certain doors in our lives, according to the sermon? [[39:53]]
3. How did Paul’s perseverance and faith in Acts 16:6-9 serve as an example for us when facing closed doors? [[49:11]]
4. What does it mean to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s guidance, as discussed in the sermon? [[52:38]]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when your plans were disrupted. How did you see God’s hand in the situation later on? [[36:56]]
2. When faced with a closed door, how can you remind yourself that it might be God’s way of protecting you or guiding you to something better? [[39:53]]
3. How can you cultivate perseverance and faith like Paul when your plans don’t work out? [[49:11]]
4. What steps can you take to become more sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s guidance in your daily life? [[52:38]]
5. How can you practice repentance and praise when you realize that God’s plans are better than your own? [[41:24]]
6. Think of a current situation where you are facing obstacles. How can you seek God’s direction and be willing to adjust your course according to His will? [[52:38]]
7. Identify one area in your life where you need to trust God’s plan over your own. What practical steps can you take this week to surrender that area to Him? [[38:33]]
Devotional
Day 1: Trusting God's Divine Guidance
Description: Proverbs 16:9 teaches us that while we can make our plans, it is the Lord who determines our steps. This is not a flippant scripture but a profound truth. When our plans fail, it’s often because God has something better in store for us. Trusting in His divine guidance can turn our frustrations into blessings. When we face unexpected changes or disruptions, it’s essential to remember that God’s perspective is infinitely greater than ours. He sees the bigger picture and knows what is best for us, even when we don’t understand His ways. [38:33]
Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV): "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."
Reflection: Think of a recent situation where your plans were disrupted. How can you see God’s hand in that situation, and what might He be teaching you through it?
Day 2: Closed Doors as Divine Protection
Description: Sometimes, God closes doors to protect us from ourselves. We might think we know what’s best, but God’s perspective is infinitely greater. When we face obstacles, it’s crucial to remember that God is often shielding us from unseen dangers or leading us to a better path. These closed doors are not a sign of God’s disfavor but rather His loving protection and guidance. By trusting in His wisdom, we can find peace and assurance even in the midst of our frustrations. [39:53]
Isaiah 55:8-9 (ESV): "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when a door was closed in your life. How did that experience ultimately protect you or lead you to something better?
Day 3: Perseverance in Faith
Description: The Apostle Paul’s journey in Acts 16:6-9 shows us the importance of perseverance. Despite facing multiple closed doors, Paul kept moving forward, trusting that God would eventually reveal the right path. This teaches us to remain faithful and persistent, even when our plans seem to be falling apart. By holding on to faith and continuing to seek God’s guidance, we can navigate through life’s challenges with confidence and hope. [49:11]
James 1:2-4 (ESV): "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
Reflection: Think about a current challenge you are facing. How can you persevere in faith and trust that God will reveal the right path in His timing?
Day 4: Sensitivity to the Holy Spirit
Description: Being sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s guidance is essential. Paul’s ability to recognize and follow the Spirit’s leading, even when it meant changing his plans, is a model for us. We must continually seek God’s direction and be willing to adjust our course according to His will. This requires a heart that is open and attentive to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, as well as a willingness to obey even when it’s difficult or inconvenient. [52:38]
Galatians 5:16-17 (ESV): "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do."
Reflection: How can you cultivate a greater sensitivity to the Holy Spirit’s guidance in your daily life? What practical steps can you take to listen and respond to His leading?
Day 5: Repentance and Praise
Description: When we realize that God’s plans are better than ours, it’s important to repent for our frustrations and lack of faith. We should praise God for His wisdom and guidance, acknowledging that His ways are always for our ultimate good. This attitude of gratitude and humility opens our hearts to His continued leading. By repenting and praising God, we align ourselves with His will and invite His blessings into our lives. [41:24]
Psalm 32:8-9 (ESV): "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you. Be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding, which must be curbed with bit and bridle, or it will not stay near you."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you were frustrated with God’s plan. How can you repent for your lack of faith and praise Him for His wisdom and guidance today?
Quotes
1. "God determines our steps. That means this. God's protecting you from you. Can I say this? Like, do we have an enemy? Yes. Let me tell you what maybe even the greater enemy is. You. We tend to be our worst enemy. And when God's determining our steps, he is protecting you from you. You know the last place I wanted to be when I hear about my father going through an emergency like that? The last place I want to be, leaving it in the hands of my mom? Like, the last place I want to be is sitting on a beach someplace in the Mediterranean." [40:38] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Here's the good news. The good news for you is this, that God actually does open doors. Some people think God's just a door closer. Yep, that's who he is. That's his temperament. That's who God is. He just closes doors. He doesn't want us to have any fun. He doesn't want that for us. He doesn't want us to have that kind of satisfaction, that kind of, thrill in life. He doesn't want us to have that kind of purpose in life. No, that's just the opposite. God closes doors so you will go, okay, that's not opening. What about this? Oh, that's not opening. Oh, what about that? Oh, and then that door opens." [44:34] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "So, guys, whenever we come to a place where we recognize, God, you've been determining my steps, we should stop and give him praise. We should stop and repent for us trying to work our own plans. We should stop and just praise him and thank him that his plans are best for us. That would be number one. Here's the other thing I want to remind you of. I want to tell you also that Revelation chapter 3, verse 7, it's also true, by the way, it comes from Isaiah, but listen to what God says about himself." [42:07] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "So here's the reality. Paul experienced multiple closed doors. But he didn't quit. He didn't quit, and he didn't complain. But he keeps moving. Right? And this is what he does. He keeps making himself available for wherever God wants to lead him. That's his example for us. So two questions, I think, arise for you and me. What do you do when your plans aren't working? What do you do when your plans aren't working? And what do you do when the door ahead of you isn't opening?" [49:49] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "So, guys, I'm going to tell you right now, you're going to find all kinds of moments. You're going to find more closed doors in this spiritual journey than you're going to find open doors. But for every closed door you run up against, God's trying to teach you something. What's he trying to teach you? The sensitivity to his voice. He's trying to teach you obedience to his spirit. He's trying to develop within you the fruit of the Spirit, will you still be joyful even when the door gets closed?" [54:03] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "And can we have that sensitivity to the Lord like Paul did? It's going to come from seeking God. It's going to come from offering your life to God and recognizing, God, you are the leader. I'm the follower. Every time I try to be the leader, I screw it all up. So, God, would you just, would you be the leader again? And here's my life, and I want to follow you." [53:27] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "But there's going to be times when your plans aren't working out. Here's the good news. The good news is this. God is the one who's determining your steps. And you're going to have to find comfort in that. You're not going to get it right. I didn't get it right. But the minute that you recognize, God, your determining of my steps is a thousand percent better than my original plans. That's the moment when you need to be like me. And you need to repent. And you need to recognize, I was wrong. You were right." [39:15] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "So don't quit, and don't doubt God. There's way too many Christians that when things don't work, they don't know what to do. When things don't go their way, the very first thing they do is start doubting God. I'm just going to tell you this. It's going to be really hard for you to find the next open door God has for you when you're doubting God. So don't quit, and don't doubt the goodness of God." [51:15] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "This is really what Paul was doing. Paul was going through this ministry. Missionary journey saying, here's my life. Lead me where you want to lead me. Let me tell you how we go through our journeys in life. This is my life. I'm going to do what I want to do, and God, would you bless it? There's a big difference between I'm going to do what I'm doing, and God, would you bless it? Versus here's my life. Where are you at work? I want to be there. Big difference between those two things." [51:54] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "So, God, would you just, would you be the leader again? And here's my life, and I want to follow you. So, guys, I'm going to tell you right now, you're going to find all kinds of moments. You're going to find more closed doors in this spiritual journey than you're going to find open doors. But for every closed door you run up against, God's trying to teach you something. What's he trying to teach you? The sensitivity to his voice. He's trying to teach you obedience to his spirit. He's trying to develop within you the fruit of the Spirit, will you still be joyful even when the door gets closed?" [54:03] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained only on this specific sermon. Do you have any questions about it?