03/18/2025
Title: Your Network vs. Christ — The Doors Only Christ Can Open
Scripture:
Revelation 3:7–8 – “What He opens no one can shut, and what He shuts no one can open. I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut.”
Introduction:
We’ve all heard the saying, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” And there’s some truth to that — the right connections can open doors, create opportunities, and provide support.
But here’s the thing — there are some doors that no high-ranking connection, no powerful friend, and no influential network can open. And there are some doors that no amount of human effort can close when Christ has already decided to open them.
I’ve seen this in my own life. Some of my biggest breakthroughs didn’t come because of my talent or my network — they came because Christ opened doors that no human could open. And when I faced rejection or closed doors, I learned that sometimes it wasn’t failure — it was Christ protecting me from walking through the wrong door.
I’ve also seen the attacks on my life, meant to shut me down — the moments where the enemy tried to block me from stepping into what God has planned for me. But I realized that all these struggles, all the setbacks, only confirmed that God has an amazing plan for me — one that will bring glory to many. It’s not about what my network can do for me — it’s about what Christ has already done and is doing through me.
So the question is: Are you putting more trust in your network or in Christ’s ability to open and close the right doors? Let’s look at the difference:
1. Your Network Can Introduce You — But Christ Opens the Door
Your network can position you for opportunities — but only Christ can make those opportunities come to life.
• You can have the best connections in the world — CEOs, influencers, business leaders — but if Christ doesn’t open the door, nothing will happen.
• I’ve had moments where I was perfectly positioned — the right time, the right people — but the door stayed closed.
• But I’ve also had doors open when I wasn’t even looking — because Christ was the one moving behind the scenes.
• Revelation 3:7 reminds us that when Christ opens a door, no one can shut it. When He closes a door, no one can open it.
➡️ People can recommend you — but only Christ can promote you.
2. Your Network Can Get You a Seat at the Table — But Christ Decides If You Belong There
We live in a culture that says success is about getting the right seat at the table.
• Your network might get you that seat — a job, a deal, a contract — but if Christ hasn’t placed you there, it won’t last.
• Some of the opportunities that didn’t work out for me — even though I was perfectly positioned — were God’s protection, not rejection.
• Because when Christ places you somewhere, you don’t have to fight to keep it — His grace will sustain you there.
• And when you try to force your way into places Christ hasn’t opened, it creates stress and instability.
➡️ A network can get you in the room — but only Christ can secure your place there.
3. Your Network Can Open Doors for Success — But Christ Opens Doors for Purpose
It’s easy to chase success — but true fulfillment comes from walking in purpose.
• Your network can open doors for money, influence, and status — but only Christ can open doors that align with your purpose.
• I’ve had opportunities that looked good on paper but felt empty because they weren’t connected to what God was calling me to do.
• But when Christ opened doors aligned with my purpose — whether in my career or personal life — the peace and fulfillment I felt confirmed it was the right path.
• Christ doesn’t just want you to succeed — He wants you to walk in purpose.
➡️ Success without purpose is empty — Christ gives you both.
4. Your Network Can Create Opportunities — But Christ Creates Miracles
There are things your network simply can’t do — no matter how powerful your connections are.
• Your network can get you a job — but Christ can heal your body.
• Your network can get you a deal — but Christ can restore your marriage.
• Your network can introduce you to influential people — but Christ can give you peace when the whole world is against you.
• When my daughter started speech therapy, advice and support from others helped — but it was Christ who gave me strength when I felt overwhelmed.
• Christ doesn’t just open doors — He makes a way where there is no door.
➡️ Your network works with limits — Christ works beyond them.
5. Your Network Might Fail You — But Christ Never Will
Here’s the hard truth — people are human. Even the most reliable friends, mentors, and connections will eventually disappoint you.
• They may forget to call you back.
• They may overlook you for an opportunity.
• They may turn their back on you.
• But Christ is consistent. He’s the same yesterday, today, and forever.
• If He closes a door, it’s for your protection. If He opens a door, it’s for your elevation.
➡️ When people walk away — Christ remains.
6. When Christ Opens the Door — It’s Effortless
When Christ opens a door, you don’t have to manipulate, force, or strive — it happens with grace.
• Have you ever noticed how some things just seem to “click”? That’s not luck — that’s God’s hand.
• When Christ opens the door, you’ll walk through it with peace, confidence, and clarity.
• And when He closes a door, even if it hurts, you’ll eventually see it was for your protection.
➡️ You won’t have to fight for what Christ has already given you.
So, Who Are You Trusting?
• Are you trusting your network to open the next door?
• Are you frustrated because the door hasn’t opened yet — even though you have the right connections?
• Or are you willing to surrender to Christ — knowing that His timing and His positioning are perfect?
Your network matters — but Christ matters more.
• A network can introduce you — but Christ will elevate you.
• A network can open doors — but Christ will direct your steps.
• A network can give you a seat at the table — but Christ will make sure you belong there.
• A network can bring you success — but Christ will give you purpose.
Final Thought:
Build your network — but trust Christ.
• Let your network be a tool — but let Christ be the foundation.
• Celebrate the doors your network opens — but trust the ones that Christ closes.
• Because when Christ opens a door, no one can shut it.
• And when He closes a door, it’s because He has something better in store.
👉 Your network is a resource — but Christ is the source. Trust the source.
I’ve seen the attacks on my life meant to shut me down, but I’ve learned that the enemy is afraid of what God is doing through me. God has an amazing plan for me — and for you. When we trust Christ to open the right doors, we can rest assured that nothing and no one can shut them.
“As a mom, marketer, and explorer, I’m passionate about helping families discover joy in everyday adventures—one destination, dish, or experience at a time.”
