Closing The Door For A Divine Encounter

CLOSING THE DOOR FOR A DIVINE ENCOUNTER

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 2 Kings 4:1-7

"Then he said, Go, borrow thee vessels abroad of all thy neighbours, even empty vessels; borrow not a few. And when thou art come in, thou shalt shut the door upon thee and upon thy sons, and shalt pour out into all those vessels, and thou shalt set aside that which is full." – 2 Kings 4:3-4

Supporting Texts:

Matthew 6:6, Isaiah 26:20, Mark 5:40, Acts 9:39-40, Revelation 3:20

INTRODUCTION:

Throughout the Bible, we see that many divine encounters occur in the secret place—behind closed doors. In 2 Kings 4:1-7, a widow approached the prophet Elisha in desperation. Her husband had died, leaving behind a debt, and creditors were coming to take her sons as slaves.

Elisha did not give her money; instead, he gave her divine instructions. He told her to borrow vessels, go into her house, shut the door, and pour out her little oil. The moment she obeyed and closed the door, a miraculous multiplication took place.

Shutting the door signifies separation, focus, and intimacy with God. It means removing distractions and preparing for a divine encounter. Many times, God’s greatest miracles happen when we step into the secret place with Him.

As we study this topic, we will explore why closing the door is necessary for a divine encounter and how God moves in private moments of faith.

1. CLOSING THE DOOR MEANS SEPARATION FROM DISTRACTIONS

To experience God’s power, you must shut the door to external influences.

a) Distractions hinder divine encounters (Matthew 6:6)

Jesus said, "But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret."

b) God moves in quiet places, not in noisy environments (Isaiah 26:20)

"Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee."

c) Faith grows in private encounters with God (Psalm 46:10)

"Be still, and know that I am God."

d) The crowd can be a hindrance to your miracle (Mark 5:40)

Jesus put the mockers out before raising Jairus’ daughter from the dead.

e) Biblical Example: Moses on Mount Sinai (Exodus 34:28-30)

Moses was alone with God for forty days, and when he returned, his face was glowing with God’s glory.

2. CLOSING THE DOOR SIGNIFIES FAITH IN GOD'S INSTRUCTIONS

The widow acted in faith by obeying Elisha’s command to shut the door.

a) Miracles follow obedience to divine instructions (Luke 5:5-6)

Peter obeyed Jesus by letting down his net again and caught a great multitude of fish.

b) God requires faith-filled action before miracles happen (John 9:6-7)

Jesus told the blind man to wash in the Pool of Siloam before he received his sight.

c) Many miracles happen in secret before public manifestation (Matthew 17:1-2)

Jesus was transfigured before only three disciples on the mountain.

d) Faith means trusting God even when the instruction seems strange (2 Kings 5:10)

Naaman was told to wash in the Jordan seven times, and when he obeyed, he was healed.

e) Biblical Example: The Woman with the Issue of Blood (Mark 5:27-29)

She acted in faith, believing that touching Jesus’ garment would heal her, and it did.

3. CLOSING THE DOOR BRINGS DIVINE MULTIPLICATION

When the widow shut the door, her little jar of oil multiplied supernaturally.

a) God turns little into abundance in the secret place (2 Kings 4:6)

The oil stopped flowing only when there were no more empty vessels.

b) Miracles happen in private before public testimony (1 Kings 17:12-16)

The widow of Zarephath’s oil and flour never ran out, but it started with a private act of faith.

c) God blesses what we surrender to Him (John 6:11-13)

Jesus took five loaves and two fish, blessed them, and fed over 5,000 people.

d) Increase comes when we create space for God to move (2 Corinthians 9:10)

"Now He that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown."

e) Biblical Example: Elijah and the Widow’s Flour and Oil (1 Kings 17:14-16)

The little she had was multiplied because she obeyed the prophet’s instructions.

4. CLOSING THE DOOR LEADS TO PERSONAL ENCOUNTERS WITH GOD

Many of God’s greatest revelations come in the secret place.

a) God meets people in secret places (Exodus 33:11)

"And the Lord spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend."

b) Personal encounters transform lives (Acts 9:3-6)

Saul’s encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus changed him into Paul.

c) Spiritual growth happens in the secret place (Colossians 3:3)

"For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God."

d) Divine revelations often happen behind closed doors (Revelation 3:20)

"Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him."