Open Doors in the Bible: God Uses Them for Good

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Open Doors in the Bible

Doors are mentioned 180 times in the Bible. In both the Old Testament and the New Testament. That’s a lot of doors. Many of the Bible verses about doors pertain to closed doors. We’ve explored those in this post about closed doors in the Bible. Today, however, I want to talk with you about open doors in the Bible, their significance, and what it means to us who walk the earth today.

According to biblical scholars, doors signify communication and agreement. Often, when the doors are open, they communicate with God and others. When they are closed, they do not communicate or are not in agreement. That is the foundation of the meaning of open doors. We’ll explore this a bit more as we look at examples of open doors in the Bible.

Look at this verse in 1 Corinthians:

for a wide door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.to me, and there are many who oppose me.

1 Corinthians 16:9 (ESV)

When the door is open, we can communicate effectively with God and those around us, but to close the door means to cut off that communication.

Consider this when evaluating the source of your open door. If it is from God, communication will be enhanced. If it is from Satan, communication will be thwarted.

Have you ever wondered what the Bible says about open doors?

While there are many verses in the Bible about open doors, as mentioned above, I want to highlight a few that can help clarify what God says about them.

In Revelation 3:8, we read

“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.”

In Revelation 3:8 (ESV)

In the Bible, a vibrant prayer life is often linked to the opening of doors and opportunities. Through prayer, believers seek divine guidance, strength, and intervention. Numerous scriptures, like Revelation 3:8, highlight how God opens doors that no one can shut, symbolizing new paths and blessings.

Thus says the Lord to his anointed, to Cyrus,
    whose right hand I have grasped,
to subdue nations before him
    and to loose the belts of kings,
to open doors before him
    that gates may not be closed:

Isaiah 45:1 (ESV)

We know this is from one of the letters to the seven churches found in Revelation’s second and third chapters, specifically, the church of Philadelphia. In these letters, John, through the Lord’s prompting, directly addressed the spiritual conditions of these churches. In this letter, He is pleased that they have obeyed His word despite increasing pressures from the pagan Roman world. He has given them the promise of an open door of opportunity to advance His kingdom.

The verse does not promise them an open door to a better place to live, more riches, or anything else of a material nature. He is promising them an open door as an opportunity to serve Him. Would God be pleased by your obedience against the pressures of the world? Would He open doors for you about serving Him?

What would this look like? Are you feeling a nudging to serve the homeless? Do you keep seeing requests for volunteers for Sunday school? What doors is God opening for you so that you can serve Him? For more on the historical explanation of this verse, check out this terrific article.

When researching open doors in the Bible, I came across Acts 16:26. In it, we read that there was a sudden violent earthquake. So strong that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once, all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose.”

I love this verse and the picture it paints of the situation surrounding it. It is important to note that the earthquake was not caused by natural causes or ground swelling. Instead, it was from the prayers and praises of the saints going toward heaven! Prayers of the faithful shook the foundation and opened the doors, and, get this, “everyone’s chains came loose.” Hallelujah! They were free! 

I love the picture here. Through prayer and praise, their chains came loose. No matter what is binding you – addiction, depression, debt, and your chains can come loose through prayer and praise!

Most of the time, we want God to open doors for us. However, the will of God also wants us to open doors for Him.

In Revelation 3:20, we see, “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.”

God is knocking. He is waiting for us to open the door for Him. Are you letting God in when He is knocking? Perhaps you have already given your heart to Jesus, but maybe you have only opened the door with the security latch still secure. On the other hand, perhaps you are peeking out the peephole. Where are you holding back? What are you not giving to God? What doors have you not yet opened for him?

I encourage you to pray about the shut door in your life this week. Ask God what doors He can open for you. Ask the Spirit of Jesus what chains He can loosen for you. Perhaps you already know, but you just need to give them over to Him. After all, He is the God of open doors.

Before we dive in to ways that we can be sure that the doors were opened by God, let’s first look at a few more verses about open doors.

Use these verses on open doors in the Bible and a concordance to see where God leads you and what He wants to reveal to you. 

 

Open Doors in the Bible: What Doors Is God Opening For You?

How can you Be Sure that An Open Door is One Opened by God?

Have you ever wondered if God opened the door before you? Even if it is a wide-open door. Or, perhaps, was it opened by Satan or neither?

This can be difficult to discern, but you can use the keys or “tests” below to help you identify if the open door is from God.

1. Does it line up with scripture?

The first and I believe one of the most important tests is evaluating whether or not it lines up with scripture. God will not open a door to sin. If an open door causes you to break the law, hurt another, or find pleasure purely in the flesh, you can be sure that this open door is not from God.

Often, I hear women describe an opportunity they believe was God opening a door. One shared that she received a job offer that would prevent her from attending Sunday services. Another was meeting a man who was not a believer, which put her in an uncomfortable situation (but “he’s my soulmate,” she gushed).

God will not open a door to an opportunity that does not align with His Word.

As creations prone to sin, we tend to bend our wants and frame them in a way that convinces us that they are blessings from God. 

If we have to bend the Word to fit our wants, that clearly indicates that God did not open that door.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV)

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

Hebrews 4:12 (ESV)

2. Is it an Answered Prayer?

If you have been praying for something and a door opens, it may be an answer to prayer. Often, we will pray for something specific, and when it comes to pass, we question if it is the answered prayer or not.

God loves us and responds to our prayers—not always in the way we expect, but He always answers.

If we petition the Lord for a desire of our heart, we know that God will answer and possibly even perform miracles. Nothing is impossible for Him!

Therefore, I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

Mark 11:24 (ESV)

3. Has it Been Confirmed by Wise Counselors?

The Bible is rich with scripture advising us to seek wise counsel. If you are not sure if an open door is from God, seek wisdom from a trusted godly friend, a Pastor, or your small group.

When we are close to a situation, we cannot see it clearly. Wise counselors can listen and look for things that do not align with scripture or could potentially harm us without the same “rose-colored glasses” we may have on.

 Those who trust in themselves are fools,
    but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe.

Proverbs 28:26 (ESV)

4. Has it Been Confirmed in General?

If God opens a door, it will not stay open for a split second, so you have to make an immediate decision. If you are presented with an opportunity, and it is from God, it will be confirmed in other ways.

You may receive advice about it, God may speak to you in prayer, or you may encounter confirming scripture in your daily quiet time with Him.

An open door from God will not be a fleeting one-time thought; it will be confirmed in other ways.

“But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses’.”

Matthew 18:15-16 (ESV)

5. Is it Uncomfortable?

If an open door is causing you to feel uncomfortable, it may be a sign that God is opening a door to release you from something.

As humans, we often act in destructive ways. Although leaving those behaviors behind can be uncomfortable, they are meant to protect us from harm.

God uses some discomfort to help us grow into the person He created us to be.

Remember, when God asks you to let go of something, it is victory, not defeat!

“He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.”

John 15:2 (ESV)

6. Is it Causing You to Rely on Him?

Anything God does in our lives will cause us to lean on Him – not grow away from Him. He created us for connection – with Him and others. If the open door makes you feel you can do it on your own, then most likely, it is not of Him. If you think, “I can do this if God is with me,” then it is likely a door opened by Him.

Open doors or opportunities from God often cause our faith to be tested and strengthened. That is what He wants from us: to grow closer to Him and become more like Christ.

 The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
    my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge,
    my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

Psalm 18:2 (ESV)

7. Is it an Open Door You Didn’t Pray for or Ask for?

This one really isn’t a test, as it is something to consider. Opportunities may arise that seem to “fall out of thin air.” Open doors that you haven’t been praying for or possibly even considered.

God will bless the obedient.

Think about Mary, the mother of Lord Jesus. She sure didn’t ask to get pregnant as an unmarried woman! Yet, her gift changed her life and the lives of many millions of others.

If an opportunity comes your way, consider the other “tests”; if it passes, it may simply be a blessing from God.

God always opens doors, and He wants to bless His flock.

 Many are the plans in a person’s heart,
    but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.

Proverbs 19:21 (ESV)

8. Did it Come to You in a Dream?

Throughout scripture, we read of numerous times that the Lord spoke to people in dreams. Jacob, Daniel, Joseph, and more. (Here’s a great infographic on dreams in the Bible) Some were prophetic, some symbolic, and others informational.

When we dream, we can’t argue or convince ourselves that these are not doors opened by Him.

I recommend keeping a journal about your dreams. I use a section of my War Binder for this. As soon as you wake up, jot them down (You may be like me and not always remember your dreams, but do it when you do remember. If you wait until you grab your coffee, chances are you will forget). 

Prayerfully look over your recent dreams and see if you see a pattern or feel God is opening the door to something for you.

 he said, “Listen to my words:
“When there is a prophet among you,
    I, the Lord, reveal myself to them in visions,
    I speak to them in dreams.

Numbers 12:6 (ESV)

9. Does it Bless Others?

When you look at this opportunity or open door, does it bless others? Not every open door will bless others, but many will. It would certainly not be a God-opened door if it harms others.

Lord God calls us to bless others. When we do this, we let others see Him through us. However, not every opportunity that blesses others will come from him. For example, robbing a bank would be a financial blessing to your family but will hurt others.

Consider the ripple effect of your open door before taking action.

And I will place on his shoulder the key of the house of David. He shall open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open.

Isaiah 22:22 (ESV)

 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Matthew 5:16 (ESV)

10. Does it Bring Peace?

When God opens a door, it should bring peace, not confusion. That’s not to say that open doors won’t be scary at times, but you can still have peace in Him.

You may also face battles from the enemy when deciding to walk through an open door or once you’ve entered, but knowing that God is with you should bring you peace to face whatever the evil one throws at you. You should feel the peace of the Holy Spirit confirming this.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV)

11. Has it Been Confirmed through Prayer?

Whenever you face a decision, go to Him in prayer. When you are evaluating whether an open wide door is from Him or not, go to Him in prayer. Be quiet, be still, and listen for His voice.

While the above “tests” can help confirm whether an opportunity is from God, the ultimate confirmation is from hearing His voice. I caution you not to dismiss an opportunity immediately if you don’t hear Him. Listening to His voice doesn’t come quickly for everyone, but the more time you spend in prayer and fellowship with God, the more you will learn to discern if what you hear is His voice.

Ask Him for confirmation if He opened the door. Ask Him daily and listen, truly listen, without distraction.

My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.

John 10:27 (ESV)

These are just a few signs that an open door is from God. 

When you are presented with an opportunity, evaluate it through prayer, wise counsel, and, above all, His Word.

Check out this presentation by Will Graham, grandson of the great Billy Graham, for a great message about God opening doors.

And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia, write: ‘The words of the holy one, the true one, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, who shuts and no one opens. “‘I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.

Revelation 3:7-8 (ESV)

In the Bible, the Angel of the Lord often symbolizes divine intervention and guidance. This celestial being frequently appears to open doors, both literal and metaphorical, leading believers to new opportunities, safety, and spiritual enlightenment, exemplifying God’s willingness to guide and protect His followers.

In the Bible, a door often symbolizes opportunity, while a key represents authority. The apostle Paul alluded to this in 2 Corinthians 2 about his visit to the city of Troas: “When I came to Troas to preach the gospel of Christ, even though a door was opened for me in the Lord,” (verse 12 ESV).

God is the one who opens doors. For instance, during a conversation, someone might say something that gives you a chance to share the gospel. It’s important to recognize and seize these opportunities.

Jesus Christ holds the key and opens the doors. I’m grateful that He holds the keys because they would have been lost by now if it were up to me. But Christ Jesus never loses the keys. He opens doors, just as He did for Pastor Chuck Smith during the Jesus Revolution, and Pastor Chuck walked through that door.

Certain things only God can do, and others require our action. God may open a door, but we must walk through it. In our churches, we should strive to keep our doors open, avoiding barriers where God has provided bridges. We should aim to be stepping stones, not stumbling blocks, for those seeking Christ. It should always be easy for people to come to Him.

Someone might come to church in a manner that makes some Christians uncomfortable due to their lifestyle or appearance. However, they still need to hear the gospel. Our mission is to call them to Christ.

We shouldn’t say, “Clean up your life and come to Christ.” Instead, we should say, “Come to Christ, and He will clean up your life.”

The church should be a hospital for sinners, not a museum for saints.

God’s word clearly says that God holds the key to the doors of blessing and the door of grace in which there are safety, miracles, and miraculous matters. For He is the holder of the main key, then only He is entitled to open the door of gift, and when He opens it, nobody can shut it.

When the Lord Opens the Door

 

 

One of the most powerful messages I took from Will Graham’s speech is that not every open door is meant to go through (it may be of Satan and not God). Don’t let money, fame, or circumstances determine if you should go through a door – only God’s Word. Now, that’s some vital wisdom!

Will you walk through that door of faith with God’s Holy Word?

The Kingdom of God in the Bible symbolizes divine authority and spiritual enlightenment. It often relates to open doors, signifying new opportunities, guidance, and blessings bestowed upon believers. These open doors represent access to God’s grace, wisdom, and eternal life, encouraging faith and perseverance in the spiritual journey.

The desires of your heart, as related to open doors in the Bible, reflect the hope for divine opportunities and guidance. These open doors symbolize God’s favor, leading to paths of righteousness, growth, and fulfillment of one’s purpose, aligning personal aspirations with His divine will and plan.

In the Bible, open doors symbolize opportunities and divine guidance. They represent the spread of the good news of Christ, offering believers access to God’s kingdom. 

In the Bible, open doors symbolize opportunities and divine guidance, revealing the mystery of Christ. They signify invitations to embrace faith, spread the Gospel, and access spiritual blessings. Christ is often depicted as the ultimate door, offering salvation and a connection to God’s kingdom for those who believe.

In the Bible, the “door of salvation” symbolizes an open invitation to eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ. It represents God’s grace, offering believers a path to redemption and a new beginning. This open door signifies hope, refuge, and the promise of a transformative spiritual journey.

For more on open doors in the Bible, you may enjoy this book by Paul L King: Finding Your Niche: 12 Keys to Opening God’s Doors for Your Life

Or listen to it on Audible Plus with a free trial!

In Him,

Sue

ESV – “Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.”