by Ken Jones

During my years as a coach of Christian doctors, a common topic of interest has been ‘doors.’ Perhaps a doctor has an opportunity for career change or advancement, and wants to coach about whether to walk through Door A or Door B (or there may even be Doors C, D, E, and F!)

God is faithful to help those who desire to follow him, in directing and guiding our journey. And ‘doors’ offer a great word picture for helping us understand a tremendously important concept: God is the God of Doors!

Of course, Jesus referred to himself as “the door of the sheep” in John 10:7. Two verses later, he reinforces that idea: “I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pastures.” (Jn. 10:9) In other words, the entrance into eternal life is found in the person and work of Jesus Christ. But that picture of Jesus being the door isn’t the only reference that we find in the bible about doors. Not only is Jesus the door, he is the ‘opener’ of doors and the ‘closer’ of doors, as well. In Revelation, John writes that Jesus is ‘… He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens.’ (Rev. 3:7)

When God determines that a ‘door’ of opportunity needs to be opened, He opens it, and there is NOTHING that will stand in the way of that opening. And when God decides that a ‘door’ needs to be closed, no matter who or what pushes to open it, that ‘door’ is going to be closed. What does that mean for those individuals who are in the midst of deciding, or choosing, or even knowingwhich ‘door’ to walk through as they navigate life? Simply this: God is the God of Opening and Closing Doors.

My doors are always about where The Door is leading me, and what the Door is doing in me. If I truly believe that, it may help with the anxiety that often accompanies the decisions I need to make. If the door in front of me seems to be open, I can walk in faith through that door, knowing that if The Door opened it, nothing will shut it. And if the door I thought was open suddenly closes, in His perfect plan and direction, I can rest in knowing The Door closed the door, because He has a better idea for my life.

I have noticed that often, the doors of decision I have to navigate are related to my own performance or career. And I struggle to confidently choose a door, because I do want to follow God’s will for my life. However, God’s primary will for my life is not the achievements I accomplish. It’s about the person of trust and obedience I am becoming. My challenge, then, is not in determining how open or closed a door may be, but how willing I am to accept and embrace the will of the God of Openings and Closing Doors.

What’s been your experience with open and closed doors? Feel free to leave a comment. We’d love to hear from you.