Closed Doors

Closed Doors

The Children of Israel had made Egypt their home for more than 400 years. What had started out as a life-saving blessing, had turned into a brutal life of slavery. God said, “I have heard their cries,” and a deliverer was sent. Their life there was ending. This door was being shut - never to re-open.

Elijah was running from wicked King Ahab and Queen Jezebel. He was weary and hungry. God saw his great need and sent him to the brook Cherith, where He had fresh spring water. There, God commanded the ravens to feed him bread and meat twice a day. His needs were met in this secret place chosen by God, but then “the brook dried up” (1 Kings 17:1-6).  God closed that door in order to move him to where he was to go next.

The Apostle Paul knew time was short, so he embraced every opportunity to teach and preach the Gospel. Hardships only fueled his desire to preach the gospel more. But in Acts 16:6, we read that “they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit from speaking the Word in Asia.” God closed that door, firmly, because He had a much better route for them through Europe (Acts 16:9), which resulted in many more coming to know Christ. Eventually these very converts, together with Paul, ministered in Asia. God only closes doors if He has a better, more fruitful plan.

Friends, we, as the Bride of Christ, are in times of great change. Church doors are closing in many places throughout the world. Freedom of speech is closing in many formerly Christian countries. Cancel culture has closed the doors on many online Christian publications.  The world is giving us our eviction notice, but God is about to swing the doors of Heaven wide open.

May we keep our eyes focused NOT on the doors that are closing all around us, but the Heavenly Doors that are opening.

(Devotional by Cheryl Hall-Laos)