Sunday August Teachings Series: Walking Through the Open Door

Theme: 

"Living in the Reality of the Open Door"

Sunday's Powerful Teachings that will transform your life. 

God begins His instruction with finality: “Moses is dead.” In Hebrew, the word ʿattâ (“now”) marks a turning point—an urgent shift from one season to the next. Before God moves you forward, He closes a chapter. You cannot cling to the past and step into the future at the same time.

Samuel learned this when he mourned over Saul until God said, “How long will you mourn? Fill your horn with oil and go…” (1 Samuel 16:1). Israel had to learn it too—Moses’ leadership was over, but God’s plan was still moving forward.

In our lives, there are seasons when God removes a person, position, or provision—not to harm us, but to prepare us for the step ahead. Recognizing that the season has changed is the first step toward stepping through your open door.

Mini-Story:
A farmer once kept last year’s dead cornstalks in his field because he didn’t want to “waste” what had grown. But those dry stalks kept the new seed from sprouting. It wasn’t until he cleared the field that the fresh harvest could grow. Some of us are holding on to stalks from last season—God says, “Clear the field; I have something new for you.”

Transition:
Once you recognize that the old season is over, you can’t just stay in awareness—you must make a move. It’s one thing to accept change; it’s another to step into what’s next. That’s why God didn’t just say “Moses is dead”—He followed it with a command: “Arise, go…”

The word “arise” in Hebrew is qum—to stand up, take a position, initiate action. In the Greek Old Testament (Septuagint), it’s anistēmi, a word also used for resurrection, symbolizing rising from inactivity into life.

God never says “arise” to someone who is already in motion. Joshua had to shift from waiting mode to walking mode. Like a runner waiting for the starter’s gun, the opportunity meant nothing without the first step.

You cannot cross your “Jordan” while sitting on the banks making excuses. Action is the proof of expectation. When God says “arise,” it’s not an option—it’s the first step toward promise.

Mini-Story:
A missionary once told how, in a village with no bridges, the people had to wade through a river to get to the market. One man prayed every day for God to part the waters. He died without ever going—because he never took a step into the water. But another man prayed, then walked—and the current was shallow enough for him to cross. Some miracles happen when you move, not before.

Transition:
But here’s the encouragement—God doesn’t call you to move without already preparing something for you. The movement He asks for is toward a place He’s already given. This leads us to the third truth about stepping through an open door.

Notice the tense: “I am giving”—present continuous. The land was promised to Abraham centuries earlier, but Israel still had to walk into it. God’s promises are not automatic; they are invitations requiring partnership.

Peter experienced this when Jesus told him, “Come” (Matthew 14:29). The invitation was the open door, but Peter still had to step out of the boat. A gift card may have value the moment it’s given, but unless you redeem it, it remains unused potential.

Some blessings are like title deeds in heaven, waiting for your feet to claim them on earth. God has already placed them in your possession in the spirit; now you must walk them out in the natural.

Mini-Story:
A father once gave his son the keys to a brand-new car parked outside. The boy cried with joy, hugged his father—and then left the keys on the table. Weeks passed, and he still walked everywhere. The car was his the moment he received the keys, but it didn’t benefit him until he drove it. That’s how many of us treat God’s promises.

Transition:
Still, knowing God has given something and actually walking into it are two different things. The step from promise to possession requires something crucial—faith—especially when the open door seems guarded by obstacles.

An open door often looks intimidating because it leads to unfamiliar territory. For Israel, the Jordan River was at flood stage (Joshua 3:15). But when the priests stepped into the water, it stopped flowing. The miracle came after the movement.

The same is true for us. You might have a new opportunity—a job, ministry, relationship—but fear of the unknown keeps you on the wrong side of the door. Fear sees obstacles; faith sees openings.

Mini-Story:
A young woman was terrified to start her new job in another city. She delayed moving for weeks, imagining everything that could go wrong. Finally, she went—and found the apartment, the church, and the friends she had been praying for. None of it appeared until she crossed the “Jordan” of her fear.

Practical Steps to Stepping Through Your Open Door:

1. Let go of yesterday’s season. Close the chapter like God closed Moses’ leadership era.

2. Get up from passivity—qum. Rise mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

3. Obey God’s next instruction even if you don’t see the full plan.

4. Act in faith despite the obstacles. The waters part for those who step in, not for those who wait on the shore.

Lord, I will not just admire the open doors You place before me. I will arise, I will go forward, and I will step through in faith, trusting that You have already given me the land.