As we begin a new year, many of us look for fresh opportunities and new starts. Even when past promises remain unfulfilled or efforts fall short, they can still lead to new beginnings. Sometimes, failures can open unexpected doors for the future.
We can learn a lot from the experiences of Paul, Silas, and Timothy. The Holy Spirit stopped them from preaching in Asia, showing us that closed doors can be part of a bigger plan leading to greater opportunities. We read on this Close door from Holy Spirit
Acts 16:6-10 'Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them. '
The exact way in which the Holy Spirit prevented Paul, Silas, and Timothy is not clearly described. The phrase “having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word” refers specifically to the Gospel. In some way, the Spirit communicated to the missionaries that they were not to preach in these regions at this time (till God’s permitted time).
However, God had not overlooked the lost souls in Asia. These regions would later become home to churches in several cities, including Ephesus, Smyrna, Philadelphia, Laodicea, Colossae, Sardis, Pergamum, and Thyatira.
A closed door doesn’t mean it’s closed forever—at that moment, the “door” was simply closed for Paul.
Note on Asia: In the New Testament, “Asia” refers to the Roman province of Asia, which covered roughly one-third of the western and southwestern parts of modern Asia Minor. This region was located west of Phrygia and Galatia.
Thought: Paul experienced guidance through hindrance. The Holy Spirit often leads not only by opening doors but also by closing them.
David Livingstone desired to go to China, but God directed him to Africa.
William Carey planned to go to Polynesia, but God sent him to India.
Adoniram Judson initially went to India, but God led him to Burma instead.
How does God guide his church to the right place for mission?
There will be "closed" as well as "open doors." Revelation 3:8 'I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. '
There will be guidance addressed to individuals as well as to the entire team.
There will be guidance via circumstances, sometimes extraordinary, as well as through the use of reason in evaluating circumstances in the light of God's Word.
Specific guidance will come only to those who are already on the road, living out their general obedience to the Great Commission.
You may have heard the saying, “When God closes a door, He opens a window.” However, this is not always the case.
God may close a door to something we deeply desire because He has something far better in store. His best is always greater than any open window.
When facing a closed door, the natural response is to ask, “Why, Lord?” Yet, in Acts 16, when God closed a ministry door, the apostle Paul never questioned His reasoning or timing.
While Paul may have wondered about the situation, he expressed nothing but complete trust in God’s wisdom (Acts 16:7-8).
Paul and his companions responded with obedience to Christ.
When you face a closed door, turn to the Lord, seek His guidance, and surrender your personal desires. Even if it’s difficult, trust in His plan for the situation.
God had a plan for Paul’s ministry, but at that moment, it did not include Bithynia. A few days later, the door opened for him to go into Macedonia, a much greater mission field.
God’s delays often precede great blessings. His denials protect us, and the times He asks us to wait are opportunities to strengthen our faith.
Be patient for His timing in your life and ministry, and you will not be disappointed. The patience is a training ground for our Faith to be sharpened. To look at him in Faith and not by the situations we see in our eyes.
Five Lessons to learn from Pauls Closed Door experience’s
The Holy Spirit guided Paul and his companions not only through open doors but also by closing them. This series of things that happened demonstrates that God’s guidance often comes through hindrance, as seen not once but twice in Acts 16:6-7:
Acts 16:6-7 - Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to.
First instance: In verse 6, the Holy Spirit prevented them from preaching in the province of Asia.
Second instance: In verse 7, When they came to the border of Mysia, the Spirit of Jesus stopped them from entering Bithynia.
Five lessons to learn from this experience
No questioning of God:
Our natural response in these situations is to Question God and say “Why God did you close ?” -
Paul and his companions didn’t question or complain when faced with closed doors. Despite moving from one closed door to another, they trusted that they were walking in the Spirit’s guidance.
Trust in God’s wisdom:
Trusting their wisdom vs God’s wisdom- They chose to trust God’s wisdom that came thru the vision of God.
Immediate obedience and patient waiting:
When God provided direction, they obeyed immediately. Very important to learn - Obeyed immediately when ask to go, waited when asked to Wait -
Once there Is direction thru vision the obedience is immediate (” we got ready at once “), there is no waiting - Acts 16:10 'After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them. '
They did not wait in Somothrace, they went next day - Acts 16:11 'From Troas we put out to sea and sailed straight for Samothrace, and the next day we went on to Neapolis. '
They go to Philippi, there they waited for several days - Acts 16:12 'From there we traveled to Philippi, a Roman colony and the leading city of that district of Macedonia. And we stayed there several days. '
God’s unexpected plans: Acts 16:17-38
At Philippi, they encountered Lydia, a worshiper of God, near the river, where they had gone to pray (Acts 16:13-15). God’s plan was not only to lead them to a place of prayer but also to bring Lydia and her household to faith.
They meet Lydia - in near the river - God word in unusual ways to send his people in places where we never think of, they went there for place of prayer
Acts 16:13 'On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there. '
But God had other plans to make them talk to woman - Acts 16:14-15 'One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message. When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. “If you consider me a believer in the Lord,” she said, “come and stay at my house.” And she persuaded us. '
This place of Philippi is where the book of Philippians was written to the believers of Philippi. Acts 16:17-38
Jail transformation in Philippi (Acts 16:16-40):
God’s ways cannot be fantom on Jail story, In Philippi they were encountered by a fortune telling slave, Paul being so annoyed of her shouting he rebuked the spirit to come out, that landed him in Jail.
Jail transformation Story
They were severely flogged - Thrown to prison- Never they were in a complaining mode of their flogging or throwing to prison. Mid night they sing hymn and worship God.. What a learning we should have from Paul. We often are down, when challenges come our way, they were opposite.. Praised and worshiped God.
They prayed as well - Their prayers send an earth quake - they don’t stop there, they continue to do — what an attitude of faith they had.
All the prison doors were open - They did not run. Sincerity is what God expects from us in every situation.
They stay put and see the jailer - he is going to hang, instead of running they go save him, Paul also assured to him saying they were all there.
They saved the jailer from despair, leading him and his household to salvation and baptism.
The same jailer who flogged now, washes the wounds and treats them well, this is the power of Gospel . Next day the official order comes to release and they are released..
God’s closed doors cannot be understood, but he will do what is right and exceedingly good for his children..
Summary
Many times, we struggle to discern God’s will because it can sometimes be influenced by our own feelings, rather than aligning with His purpose. This often leads to closed doors, and we may complain that God is not allowing us to move forward. Therefore, it is essential to look to man of God who have gone thru this experience and learn from their life. A example to look at is Christian evangelist George Müller, He is one of the greatest evangelists and a man of Faith, Understanding his ways of how to find the will of God can open doors from our closed ones.
Short summary of George Muller’s work (see bio)
George Müller (1805–1898) was a German-born Christian evangelist and philanthropist, best known for his work in founding and running orphanages in England. He devoted his life to caring for the poor and orphaned, relying solely on prayer and faith in God’s provision. Müller is also renowned for his deep trust in God’s guidance and his commitment to the power of prayer, making him a significant figure in the Christian faith, particularly in the areas of faith-based charity and ministry. His life serves as an inspiration for many seeking to understand and follow God’s will.
The work of Müller and his wife with orphans began in 1836, with the preparation of their own rented home at 6 Wilson Street, Bristol for the accommodation of thirty girls. Soon after, three more houses in Wilson Street were furnished, not only for girls but also for boys and younger children, eventually increasing the capacity for children who could be cared for to 130.
Müller never sought donations from specific individuals and relied on the Almighty for all of his needs, He began the undertaking with only two shillings (50 cents) in his pocket; but in answer to prayer and without making his needs known to human beings, he received the means necessary to erect the great buildings and to feed the orphans day by day for sixty years. In all that time the children did not have to go without a meal, and Mr. Muller said that if they ever had to go without a meal he would take it as evidence that the Lord did not will the work to continue. Sometimes the meal time was almost at hand and they did not know where the food would come from, but the Lord always sent it in due time, during the twenty thousand or more days that Mr. Muller had charge of the homes.
How did this man of Faith conquer this thru, from his life experiences he suggests these Six practical ways to finding the will of God.
Surrender your own Personal will
There is no personal will, Surrender all your personal desires to God to say you do that. This eliminates 90% of problems.
Once in this state, it is usually not far to the understanding of what His will is.
Do not depend on feelings.
Having done this, do not leave the result to feeling or simple impression, as doing so opens me up to confusion and deception
Seek the Spirit’s will through God’s Word
Seek the will of the Spirit of God through, or in connection with, the Word of God.
The Spirit and the Word must work together. Relying solely on the Spirit without the Word leaves us vulnerable to delusion. If the Holy Spirit leads us, He will always do so in accordance with Scripture, never contrary to it.
Consider providential circumstances
Providential circumstances refer to events or situations that appear to be guided by divine intervention or God’s will. Though they may seem coincidental or fortuitous, they are often seen as part of a larger divine plan.
In Christian thought, these circumstances are believed to reflect God working behind the scenes to bring about His purposes, even if we don’t immediately understand them.
He also asks us to take providential circumstances into account, as they frequently align with God’s will as revealed through His Word and Spirit.
Pray.
Pray, asking God to reveal His will clearly and rightly individually.
Wait.
Finally, Wait for God’s timing and guidance. Patience is the key virtue as it involves Faith to depend on him, instead of your own self. It means to walk by faith not by Sight 2 Corinthians 5:7 'For we live by faith, not by sight. ‘
As you start this new year, apply this to your personal situation to understand God’s will, all the closed doors of past can open new doors to you and we will be used as a tool in God’s plan to do his will.
Amen