When God Closes A Door, God Often Opens A Window

Pastor Kevin Rutledge - 8/20/2023 10:00 AM

Ever found yourself standing at a crossroads of your life and wondered, ‘When God closes a door, does He really open a window?’ Well, we decided to unravel this adage through a hilarious incident involving our toddler, a locked door and an open window. As we unveil the humor, we also discover the deeper implications this saying can have on our understanding of the Christian faith. The closed door might seem like a setback, a derailment of your linear life path, and it might plant seeds of doubt, confusion and worry. But is it necessarily so?

Life often presents us with a multitude of options, akin to the overwhelming menu at a diner. Decision-making can be tough and waiting for a divine sign might seem like the easy way out. But we argue that sometimes, it's about taking a leap of faith. It’s not about waiting for God to show you the way, but about trusting in Him and moving forward, even if it means shutting doors behind. An end is just a new beginning in disguise. We dive into how to navigate life's ups and downs, and how faith can guide us to the right door, even if it means having to close others. So, let’s embark on this journey together, exploring the hidden meanings behind closed doors and open windows, and learning to move forward with faith and trust in God's grand design.

Scripture:

  • First Reading: Isaiah 43:16-21
  • Second Reading: Acts 16:4-15
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Reflections and Caring Conversations

Please use the prompts and prayers below to aid you in your devotions for this week.

  • Day 1: Reading - Isaiah 43:18-19
    Devotional: God's Promises and Fresh Beginnings
    Consider the transformative message of this verse. God calls us to let go of the past and anticipate the new thing He is doing. The past may be full of closed doors, but God promises a path in the wilderness, a way out. 

    Questions for Reflection: 
    1. Are you holding onto past disappointments, preventing you from seeing the new paths God is laying before you? 
    2. How can you embrace God's promise of doing a new thing in your life?

  • Day 2: Reading - Romans 8:28
    Devotional: Trusting in God's Grand Design
    This verse reassures us that all things work together for good for those who love God. Even closed doors are part of His grand design. 

    Questions for Reflection:
    1. How can you trust God's plan even when you face closed doors?
    2. How have you seen God working things together for good in your life?

  • Day 3: Reading - Revelation 3:8
    Devotional: Recognizing Open Doors
    In this verse, God acknowledges our faithfulness and promises to open doors no one can shut. The doors may not be where we expect, but they are there.

    Questions for Reflection:
    1. Can you identify an 'open door' God has placed in your life?
    2. How does recognizing these doors help reinforce your faith in God's plan?

  • Day 4: Reading - Proverbs 3:5-6
    Devotional: Navigating Life's Twists and Turns
    These verses call us to trust in God with all our heart and lean not on our own understanding. As we navigate life's crossroads, faith is our compass.

    Questions for Reflection:
    1. How can you lean less on your own understanding and more on God's wisdom?
    2. In what ways does faith guide your decision-making process?

  • Day 5: Reading - Matthew 7:7
    Devotional: Seeking Divine Guidance
    Jesus encourages us to ask, seek, and knock. As we face life's crossroads, let's seek divine guidance and be open to God's response.

    Questions for Reflection:
    1. How can you actively seek God's guidance in your life?
    2. How does this verse encourage you to trust in God's response to your prayers?

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