Open and Shut Doors

 We hear a knock at the door and must decide whether to open it. Sometimes the homeowner closes the door in the face of the caller.

The Amen, the Faithful and True witness, knew the Laodiceans’ works; they were lukewarm, neither hot nor cold, and God would vomit them from His mouth. But He corrects and disciplines everyone He loves; they should repent. Jesus stands at every sinner’s heart’s door and knocks. Each must decide whether to open the door and invite Him into their life (Rev 20:19–20).

There are times when we are to close the door. Though we pray publicly at times, Jesus said we should never pray to be seen by others or noted for our many words as hypocrites. Instead, we should “enter our closet” and close the door when we pray; find a quiet place where we can be alone and commune with God, and the unseen One who searches hearts will hear our prayers (Matt 6:6).

Other times God’s providence opens doors: “For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.” 1 Corinthians 16:9

People were ready to receive the Good News, and Paul was ready and gladly presented the gospel. Many people gave their hearts to Jesus, and he hoped to lead more to Christ. But not only converts went through that “great door.” When people open their hearts to God, the enemy swoops in to stir trouble; sometimes, troublemakers are within the doors. But peoples’ response to the gospel message invigorated Paul; he was determined to stay as long as God left opportunity’s door open. Yet, when he and Timothy tried to preach the Word in Asia, the Holy Spirit would not allow it; God closed that door (Acts 16:6–7).

We choose to open, close, or turn away from doors, but God wants our obedience when He does the opening and closing.