Not Every Closed Door Is from the Enemy

Sometimes God’s “No” is His Best Yes

We love open doors. We pray for them, post about them, and run through them with excitement. A new job? A new opportunity? A new relationship? Yes, Lord! But what happens when the door doesn’t open? Or worse—when it closes in your face after you thought it was already yours?

Most of us are quick to assume: This must be an attack. This must be the enemy. We bind, rebuke, and declare in faith. But here’s a truth we often overlook—not every closed door is the devil’s doing. Some are from God Himself. That can be hard to hear, especially when you've fasted, believed, and done everything "right." But the God who opens doors is also the same God who lovingly closes them. And sometimes, His “no” is the very thing protecting your purpose.

A Real Story: Closed Door in Disguise

A friend of mine, Christina, had been interviewing for a corporate marketing role at a major company. Everything lined up. She had the experience. The interviews went well. The hiring manager even hinted that the job was hers. Christina called it a blessing in advance. She was already planning her commute and picking out outfits.

Then came the email: “We’ve decided to move forward with another candidate.”

She was stunned. Hurt. Angry. She questioned whether she heard God wrong. Was this a test? A trick of the enemy? Why would God allow her to get that far only to shut the door?

Fast forward a few months. The company she had applied to was rocked by massive layoffs, internal scandals and toxic management exposure on the news. Christina dodged a bullet she didn’t even see coming. Meanwhile, she received an offer from a smaller agency where she’s now thriving, being mentored, and growing in her faith. What felt like betrayal turned out to be redirection.

This isn’t just her story. It’s many of ours. But we have to train our eyes to see differently.

God’s Closed Doors Have Purpose

Let’s look at Scripture. In Acts 16, Paul and his team were trying to go preach in Asia. A good thing, right? But the Bible says “the Holy Spirit kept them from preaching the word in the province of Asia.” Then it says they tried to enter Bithynia, but “the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to.” (Acts 16:6-7, NIV)

God said no—twice.

Not because He didn’t love the people in those regions. Not because Paul’s mission wasn’t pure. But it wasn’t the right time or place. God had something else in mind: Macedonia. When Paul finally obeyed the redirection, it led to one of the most impactful ministry moments in his journey. That’s the power of a closed door—it can redirect you toward an open one that aligns with God’s perfect will, not just your good intentions.

Closed Doesn’t Mean Cursed

Sometimes we equate closed doors with rejection, failure or spiritual warfare. But often, they’re divine course corrections.

Think about Moses. He wanted to enter the Promised Land. But God told him no. That door was shut. Painful? Yes. But even in that “no,” God’s plan unfolded for an entire nation.

Or consider Jesus at Gethsemane. He prayed, “Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me.” (Matthew 26:39) He was asking for the cross to be removed. The Father didn’t open that door. Because through that closed door, salvation came to the world.

God doesn’t close doors to be cruel. He does it because He sees what we can’t. A closed door might save your future. It might protect your peace. It might preserve your witness. And just because the door is shut now doesn’t mean it’s shut forever. Sometimes He’s saying, “Not yet.” Other times, “I have better.” Either way, His “no” still leads to good.

Learning to Trust the Shut

Closed doors build something in us that open doors don’t. They grow our faith. They force us to listen. They make us check our motives. They push us to trust that God knows what He’s doing, even when it doesn’t make sense.

Proverbs 16:9 says, “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” That includes steps that lead away from things we thought were right. That includes U-turns, waiting seasons, and dead ends that aren’t dead—they’re divine.

The Enemy Didn’t Block You—God Protected You

The next time a door closes, ask yourself: Is this the enemy… or is this God shielding me from what I can’t yet see? Because if it’s God, then it’s not a loss—it’s a setup.

You didn’t fail. You weren’t overlooked. You weren’t denied. You were redirected. And your peace will return when you stop grieving the closed door and start praising the God who shut it. Closed doors aren’t the end of the story. They’re often the beginning of a better one.

Final Word: Praise Him for the “No”

It takes maturity to thank God for the doors that didn’t open. But that’s when you know your faith has grown. You stop chasing every opportunity. You stop begging to be let into rooms God never called you to. You stop blaming the devil for delays that were heaven-ordained.

Because not every closed door is from the enemy. Sometimes, it’s the clearest sign that God is still in control.

And that alone is reason enough to trust Him.

Was this a blessing to you? Forward it to a friend, post it on your story, or tag me @SouledIntoPurpose. Let’s spread purpose, not just posts.

Love + Light,

Akeelia

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Akeelia Thompson

Akeelia Thompson | Founder & Creative Director, Souled Into Purpose International

Akeelia Thompson, also known as “Your Favourite Creativepreneur,” is the visionary behind Souled Into Purpose International (SIP). As a faith-driven strategist, master life coach, and storyteller, she empowers individuals to discover and live out their God-given purpose. Through the SIP Podcast and upcoming book, Akeelia shares real, faith-filled insights on purpose, resilience, and spiritual growth. With a background in digital strategy and leadership, she merges creativity and calling to build a global community passionate about purpose and impact.

“It’s time to get Souled Into Your Purpose.”