BY MY SPIRIT

Part 2: Closed Doors

August 9, 2026

 

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Zechariah 4:6 (NIV) “Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,” says the Lord Almighty.

 

Acts 16:6–9 (NIV) 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.

What Closed Doors Teach Us About the Spirit’s Leading

1. A is not automatically .

 

Proverbs 14:12 (NIV) There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.

 

Proverbs 16:2 (NIV) All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the Lord.

2. The Spirit may give before He gives .

 

Exodus 13:17–18 (NIV) When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, “If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.” So God led the people around by the desert road toward the Red Sea.

3. A isn’t proof that you .

 

Psalm 37:23–24 (NIV) The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.

4. God may lead you through the before He reveals .

 

James 5:7–8 (NIV) See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop…You too, be patient and stand firm.

 

Acts 18:19–21 (NIV) They arrived at Ephesus, where Paul left Priscilla and Aquila. He himself went into the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews. When they asked him to spend more time with them, he declined. But as he left, he promised, “I will come back if it is God’s will.” Then he set sail from Ephesus.

 

Acts 19:1–7 (NIV) While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples and asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” They answered, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” So Paul asked, “Then what baptism did you receive?” “John’s baptism,” they replied. Paul said, “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus.” On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. There were about twelve men in all.

How Do I Follow the Spirit When a Door Closes?

1. my plans before I the door.

 

Luke 22:42 (NIV) Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.

2. before I .

 

1 John 4:1 (NIV) Do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God…

3. Remain faithful in the .

 

Galatians 6:9 (NIV) Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

4. Hold my plans with .

 

Acts 18:21 (NIV) I will come back if it is God’s will.

 

John 10:9 (ESV) I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved…