Revelation 3:7,8(a) - "The words of the Holy One, the True One, who has the key of David, who opens and no one shall shut, who shuts and no one opens. I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut.”
Among the seven churches in the book of Revelation, Jesus only commended the church in Smyrna and Philadelphia. He appeared to the angel of the church in Philadelphia and encouraged the believers, that though they had little power, they had good works and also kept the Word of God with patient endurance.
Their only mark of discredit (like a fly in the ointment) was the fact that they sought Janus, the two headed god of doors and hinges in Roman mythology to open up new avenues in their walk of life. In simple terms – they prayed to this god to open and close doors in life and not to Jesus Christ. The month of January derived its name from Janus and even Shakespeare in his play, 'The Merchant of Venice' referred to the two headed Janus.
Jesus is resounding with great emphasis that HE IS THE ONLY ONE WHO CAN OPEN OR SHUT DOORS FOR HIS PEOPLE. He claims that when he opens a door, no force on earth can shut it or when He shuts a door no force on earth can open it. He is not just the author of our faith but also the author of our life and work!
The Psalmist claims that our steps are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in our ways. (Psalm 37:23). As God's children, we don’t have to help Him open or shut doors for our future.