Main Thought
Almost all of us have felt the frustration of “closed doors.” Maybe we don’t have the opportunities we want because of things like distractions, delays, and denials. When doors begin to close in our faces, it’s important for us to remember that God is the Divine Door Keeper. He opens doors that no one shut! Nothing can stop God’s perfect will. Knowing this can inspire us to faithfully obey God even when faced with closed doors. If we want His guidance, then we need to faithfully follow His instructions. We’ll eventually encounter open doors when we walk with Jesus. Open doors often have open hearts waiting on the other side. We’ll find incredible opportunities to know God more, and to make Him known.
Main Passages
6 Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. 7 When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. 8 So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. 11 From Troas we put out to sea and sailed straight for Samothrace, and the next day we went on to Neapolis. 12 From there we traveled to Philippi, a Roman colony and the leading city of that district of Macedonia. And we stayed there several days.
- Acts 16:6-12
13 On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there. 14 One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message. 15 When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. “If you consider me a believer in the Lord,” she said, “come and stay at my house.” And she persuaded us.
- Acts 16:13-15
7 “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. 8 “‘I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut.
- Revelation 3:7-8a
Discussion Questions
What stands out to you in the Main Thought or Passages above?
Are you facing the frustration of a closed door right now?
What might it look like for you to faithfully explore, follow, or obey God while waiting for the right doors to open in your life?