Introduction

In life, we often encounter doors of opportunity that open and close before us. But are these doors being opened and closed by God? While the exact phrase "When God shuts one door, He opens another" is not found in the Bible, it aligns with the truth that we will explore in this sermon. We will examine the example of Paul and his missionary journey in Acts 16:6-12, where he encountered closed doors and eventually found an open door.

1. God Will Guide You if You Trust Him

God has a plan and pathway for each of us. Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages us to trust in the Lord with all our hearts and lean not on our own understanding. When we acknowledge Him in all our ways, He promises to direct our paths. Instead of asking, "What is God's will for my life?" we should ask, "What is God's will?" We need to recognize that God is already at work in the world, and our role is to join Him in His work.

2. Don't Be Disappointed by Closed Doors

In Acts 16, we see Paul facing closed doors as he tried to enter Asia Minor and Bithynia. However, these closed doors were not God's rejection but redirection. Sometimes closed doors can lead to greater blessings in disguise. Just as a closed door led to the diversification of crops in South Alabama, our disappointments can become God's appointments.

3. Be Active as You Look for God's Open Door

When faced with closed doors, Paul didn't give up or complain. He kept moving forward, trusting that God would guide him. It's important to maintain spiritual momentum and continue serving God even when doors seem closed. Sometimes opposition may arise, but if we are moving in the right direction, we will have a heavenly tailwind.

4. Don't Depend Solely on Doors to Find God's Will

While circumstances can provide guidance, they can also be deceiving. We should not solely rely on opened and closed doors to discern God's will. Instead, we have three sources for finding God's will: circumstances, the Holy Spirit, and God's Word. Circumstances can be God's external guide, the Holy Spirit speaks to our hearts, and God's Word is His eternal guide. By aligning these three lights, we can confidently proceed in God's will.

Conclusion

In our personal journey of seeking God's will, we must trust Him and acknowledge His guidance. Closed doors should not discourage us but rather prompt us to seek the open door that God has prepared for us. We need to be active in our pursuit, maintaining spiritual momentum and listening for God's voice. While circumstances can provide guidance, we must also rely on the Holy Spirit and God's Word to discern His will. Ultimately, we have the choice to open the door of our hearts to Jesus, who stands and knocks, waiting for us to invite Him in. Will you open your life to Him?

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