In life, we all face closed doors that we wish were open. A closed door represents an opportunity that we wanted but didn’t receive, a relationship that didn’t work out, or a dream that didn’t come to fruition. When we run into these closed doors, we can easily become discouraged, wondering why God would allow certain doors to close while opening others.
The Bible has a lot to say about closed doors and teaches us how we should respond when we face these disappointments. God closes doors for a purpose, even if we can’t understand His greater plan. He uses closed doors to redirect us, protect us, teach us, and transform us into His image. Although painful, closed doors are often blessing in disguise if we choose to trust in God’s perfect plan.
God Closes Doors to Redirect Us
Sometimes God closes doors because He has another path for us. In Acts 16, Paul and his companions experienced a closed door when they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach in Asia. Instead of stubbornly trying to force their way through this closed door, they listened to God’s leading and traveled to Macedonia instead. There, God opened the door for them to share the Gospel in Europe for the first time.
This account shows us that when God closes one door, He often opens another. However, we have to be listening for His voice and willing to follow His leading. We may be disappointed when a door closes, especially if it’s an opportunity we wanted badly. But God sees the bigger picture and knows what is best for us. His redirects are ultimately for our good and His glory.
Examples of God’s Redirects
- You don’t get into your dream college but end up thriving at another school.
- A relationship ends, but it leads you to your future spouse.
- You get passed over for a promotion, but find a better job elsewhere.
God Closes Doors to Protect Us
God also closes doors to protect us from harm and danger. For example, when David was on the run from King Saul, Saul was close to capturing David in the Wilderness of Maon. But just when it seemed Saul would finally seize him, Saul received word of a Philistine invasion and had to withdraw to defend his kingdom (1 Samuel 23:26-29). God providentially closed a door that could have led to David’s death.
We may grow frustrated when God closes a door that looks promising to us. But God is omniscient and knows all outcomes – He sees dangers down the road that we don’t. Isaiah 55:8-9 reminds us: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” We have to trust that ultimately, God closes doors to protect us.
Examples of God’s Protection
- A relationship ends that would have led you away from God.
- You don’t get a job that would have consumed all your time.
- A real estate purchase falls through that would have caused you problems.
God Closes Doors to Teach Us
Closed doors also teach us to trust in God rather than our own plans. When a door closes, we learn to submit our desires and hopes to God’s greater plan. Though this can be painful, it deepens our trust in God.
For example, David had been anointed to be the next king of Israel years before it came about. He had to wait over a decade before finally becoming king. During this time, David learned patience and dependence on God. He could have tried to make it happen his own way. Instead He submitted to God’s timing and instruction. As Psalm 37:7 says, “Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him.” God used those closed doors to mold David into a godly leader.
If God instantly gave us everything we asked for, we would never learn how to trust Him fully. But when we wait on God’s timing and accept closed doors, He develops our character and faith.
Examples of God’s Teaching
- You don’t get a leadership position you wanted, but gain skills you needed.
- A relationship ends, but you learn commitment in future ones.
- Your business fails, but you gain skills to succeed next time.
God Closes Doors to Transform Us
The trials of closed doors also transform us into the image of Christ. Romans 8:28-29 tells us: “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son.”
God’s ultimate goal for our lives is to mold us into the likeness of Jesus. Closed doors often lead to suffering and hardship on a temporary basis. But if we keep an eternal perspective, we can see how these disappointments shape our character to be more like Christ.
For example, Christ was the ultimate “man of sorrows, acquainted with grief” (Isaiah 53:3). He understands heartbreak and pain. As we learn endurance through closed doors, we gain greater capacity to show Christ’s compassion to a hurting world. Our temporary trials lead to eternal transformation.
Examples of Transformation
- Closed doors teach you greater humility and reliance on God.
- Closed doors let you encourage others going through similar situations.
- Closed doors give you more passion to live on mission for God.
How to Respond to Closed Doors
When we encounter closed doors, it’s easy to become bitter and resentful. But Scripture shows us how to respond in a Christlike way:
1. Accept that God is sovereign over every door.
The Lord opens and closes doors according to His perfect will. Nothing takes Him by surprise or happens outside of His control. Remember that He loves you and wants what’s best for you, even when it doesn’t feel like it. “The LORD has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all” (Psalm 103:19).
2. Trust God’s timing and plan.
Since God is sovereign, you can rest, knowing that His timing and plan are perfect. “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens” (Ecclesiastes 3:1). The door you wanted may open later, or God may have something even better in mind. Keep following Him.
3. Seek God’s purpose in the closed door.
Ask God to show you what lessons to learn and how to grow through this disappointment. “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” (James 1:2-4).
4. Look for open doors God provides.
When God closes one door, look expectantly for the next open door He provides. It likely won’t be obvious at first, requiring prayer and patience. But have faith that God will redirect you in His perfect timing.
5. Submit your dreams and desires to God.
Lay down your passions and dreams at Jesus’ feet, surrendering them to His will. Allow Him to replace your desires with His own. “Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” (Romans 12:1)
6. Trust God to work all things for good.
Though painful, believe that God will ultimately work this closed door for your benefit and His glory. “We know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
7. Seek godly wisdom and counsel.
Share your situation with mature believers and ask their advice and prayers. “Plans succeed through good counsel; don’t go to war without wise advice.” (Proverbs 20:18).
Examples of Closed Doors in the Bible
Many biblical heroes experienced God closing a door. But they submitted to His plan and eventually saw His goodness.
David
David was anointed as king long before it came to pass. He had to wait over a decade to become king as he hid from Saul. But through this, he learned to depend on God.
Joseph
Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery, closing the door to his dreams. But this led him to Egypt where he became second in command and saved his family.
Ruth
Ruth’s husband died, closing the door to her hopes. But God directed her steps to Boaz, giving her a new family.
Paul
Paul was forbidden to preach in Asia, closing that door. But God gave him a vision of a man calling him to Macedonia instead.
Jesus
Even Jesus prayed that if possible, the cross might be taken from Him. But to fulfill God’s plan, He still had to walk through that door.
When to Keep Praying for a Door to Open
While we should accept closed doors in submission to God, sometimes God also calls us to perseveringly knock on doors in prayer. Scripture tells us to keep praying and seeking in the following cases:
1. When the door aligns with biblical truth.
If your desire aligns with God’s principles and priorities as described in Scripture, keep praying for that door. Persistently knock while continuing to surrender your will.
2. When God gives you a promise or calling.
If God has clearly spoken to you about a specific promise, passion, or calling, it’s appropriate to keep asking Him to open a door even after repeated setbacks. He may be testing your faithfulness.
3. When God prompts your heart to pray.
The Holy Spirit may nudge your spirit to keep interceding for something, rather than passively accepting all closed doors. Follow those promptings as you pray.
4. When you have peace about your request.
An ongoing spirit of peace about a request indicates you should persevere in prayer. “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.” (Colossians 3:15)
5. When your motives are pure and selfless.
If your motives are focused on glorifying God and serving others rather than selfish ambition, you have more freedom to keep asking. “Delight yourself in the LORD and He will give you the desires of your heart.” (Psalm 37:4)
Conclusion
God closes doors for many reasons we can’t always understand. But we can trust His wisdom and sovereignty, knowing He desires what is best for us. While closed doors can be painful, they protect us, teach us, transform us, and redirect us according to God’s perfect plan. Keep seeking God when you run into closed doors and have faith that He will open the doors He desires at just the right time.