Trusting God When Doors Close
How to discern open and closed doors.
“I will place on his shoulder the key to the house of David; what he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open.” – Isaiah 22:22 NIV
Context: The Transfer of Authority
Shebna was an arrogant and self-serving steward of the royal household, mismanaging the king’s house and seeking personal glory by preparing a grand tomb for himself. As a result, God removed him and promoted Eliakim.
Fun fact: The name Eliakim (אֶלְיָקִים) in Hebrew means "God will establish" or "God raises up." Eliakim, a faithful and trustworthy servant, was given “the keys to the house of David”, symbolizing his divine authority over the affairs of the kingdom and foreshadowing Jesus.
Here are some key takeaways and how we can apply this to our lives:
Key Takeaways
Symbol of Authority
The “key to the house of David” represents God-given authority over His people. As modern-day Christians, we do not possess these keys—Jesus does—but we have access through Him (John 14:6).
Because of this supernatural access (which should be understood, normalized, and practiced daily), we are entrusted with Kingdom work:
Growing in relationship with God and with one another.
Transforming in His presence.
Building each other up in Christ.
Foreshadowing of Christ
When people say, “The Bible is about Jesus from front to back,” this is what they mean.
Eliakim serves as a type of Christ, pointing to Jesus' ultimate role as the one who controls access to God's Kingdom. Today:
Christians reflect Jesus through our transformed lives.
Marriage is a living parable of Christ’s love for the Church.
The Church is a preview of the coming Kingdom.
How are you reflecting Christ in your environment?
God’s Sovereignty
As seen throughout Isaiah and the whole Bible, God is in complete control. There is no lack, hole, or deficit in His will or plan.
He raises up whom He wishes—yes, even in every country, including the U.S., no matter the candidate.
He removes whom He wishes.
God reserves the right to use whoever He wants to advance His will.
When we act on behalf of God, imaging Christ, we must step out in faith knowing that, according to His will and with His authority, nothing is impossible.
Navigating Open and Closed Doors
Never Finished Challenge: God’s Authority Over Open and Closed Doors
Open Doors: Opportunities Aligned with God’s Will
God opens doors in ministry, career, relationships, or personal growth that no one can shut. But these opportunities will be recognized only if you have spent time with Him—in His Word, creation, community, worship, etc.
Signs of an open door:
Comes with peace (from understanding who God is by spending time with Him).
Aligns with Scripture.
Confirmed through circumstances or wise counsel (others who also spend time with Him).
Example: A new job, a call to ministry, or a divine appointment to share the Gospel.
💡 Never Finished Challenge: Thank God in advance every day for your open doors. Ask Him to make them evident—giving you peace and clarity.
Closed Doors: God’s Protection and Redirection
I’m not saying we are God, but we redirect our kids a lot. They’re toddlers, after all.
And guess what? God knows what’s best for you, too.
Some of my biggest closed doors—wife and kids at 25, being an NBA player, retiring at 30, becoming the future CEO of a family ministry, working for the church, becoming a pastor, and more—felt disappointing at first, but they always protected me or redirected me to something better.
Why?
Because God knows my heart. He knit me together in my mother’s womb and has the best plan for me!
Example: A lost job leading to a better one, a failed plan redirecting you to your true calling.
💡 Never Finished Challenge: What door in your life has recently closed? Maybe you're disappointed, but ask God for peace and keep moving forward.
And—ask God for more closed doors. Not the ones that slowly close, like when you say goodnight to your girlfriend and aren’t staying over because you’re not married. But the ones that slam shut in your face, like an ex you’re apologizing to.
Trusting God’s Timing Isn’t Always Easy
I remember a time when, even though I spent every waking morning with God, it took my wife to reassure me I was right where I needed to be.
Building your relationship with Him daily will help you trust His timing—and so will community! With these, you'll be able to accept both yes and no to open and closed doors in faith.
What Does Today Tell Me About God?
I feel like a child today—and that’s a good thing.
Picture the child who:
Rides his bike for the first time without training wheels.
Does something dangerous because Dad is there.
Stands up to a bully because Dad is there.
Well, my Father in heaven, who gently spoke the world and us into existence, is there.
Thank you, Jesus.