“These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name.”

Revelation 3:7-8

We sometimes describe God as the opener of closed doors. Doors that are shut in our face can all be flung wide open by His power.

“Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I am Pharaoh, but without your word no one will lift hand or foot in all Egypt...Joseph was thirty years old when he entered the service of Pharaoh king of Egypt”

Genesis 41:44, 46

When Joseph’s brothers conspired to kill him, seemingly all the doors started to shut in his face. He was thrown in a pit, then sold as a slave, then falsely accused of attempting to assault his master's wife and was thrown into prison. This period lasted about 13 years. Yet, one night and two dreams turned all this upside down. And the highest door in the land, pharaoh’s door was flung wide open for Joseph to enter and be made second to pharaoh.

“But I will stay on at Ephesus until Pentecost, because a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me.”

1 Corinthians 16:8-9

St. Paul, despite facing opposition, had the door to preaching and serving Christ open up in front of him. How many times do we despair in the church from a certain ministry that is seemingly unsuccessful or certain people who would not respond to Christ or to sound advice. We need to know that Christ can open the door and let us in.

Finally, Christ can also shut the door and the most remarkable example is the gates of hades.

“And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.”

Matthew 16:18

We call God our Father, but He is also God Almighty, who has all the keys and all authority in heaven and on earth. Let us rest in Him and be strong in our faith. Amen.