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HELEN SANDERS
3-15-2023
WHEN GOD SHUTS A DOOR
We have all heard the story of Noah and the ark. It took years for him to build it, and when God said the timing was right, he entered the ark, but Noah did not shut himself in the ark. In Genesis chapter 7 verse 10 it says, “And it came to pass after seven days that the waters of the flood were upon the earth.” Noah was in the ark seven days before the rain came.
In Genesis 7:16 it says, “And they went in, went in male and female of all flesh, as God had commanded him: and the LORD shut him in.” God shut the door to save Noah, his wife, his sons, and their wives. Eight people were saved because God had shut them in.
God will open doors for us and shut doors for us. He knows what is behind every closed door as to whether it be good or bad. The Apostle Paul wrote to the Church at Corinth in 1 Corinthians 16:9, “For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.” Paul had an open door, but there was opposition trying to keep him from going through it. God may have used his adversaries to protect him from a wrong move.
Often, we are given an assignment and cannot see the “door opening.” It could be that it isn’t the right timing and the door is shut by God to prevent us from the harm that would come. Timing is so important with our walk with God.
Whatever the case may be, as with Noah that had to wait seven days, or Paul where there were adversaries, we must trust that God has His reasons for not opening a door when it isn’t the right time and shutting doors to protect us. The worst thing we can do is force our way through a closed door, or trying to shut a door that God wants to stay open until He shuts it.
We only know that during the waiting period that we must listen intently for instructions. If you hear nothing then you wait until you have clear direction.
Noah’s waiting saved himself and his family. Paul may never have had the adversaries removed because God was showing him that His grace was sufficient for him.
As for us, we watch, we listen, and we wait on God.
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