How much do you like to hear the word “No”?
Very little—if I’m being honest. And I imagine I’m not alone in that.
In our faith and leadership journeys, we often find ourselves at a place I call the crossroads of decision. Whether we’re leading in the marketplace, ministry, or nonprofit space, there comes a time when we must pause and ask for direction.
We stand in front of what feels like a hopeful opportunity, a “proverbial door,” expecting God to open it wide. But sometimes, without warning, the door begins to shut—slowly or suddenly.
And worse still, there’s no new door in sight.
In moments like these, the enemy loves to whisper:
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“Maybe you missed something.”
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“You should have worked harder.”
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“You should have never taken this leap of faith.”
But as a founder and faith-driven strategist, I’ve learned a hard but holy truth: Sometimes a closed door is divine protection—not failure.
That shift? That pause? That No? It could be God guiding you toward something greater.
The Power to Pivot
In my book, Promise Over Purpose, I explore how God’s promises sustain us on the path to purpose. One of the most profound biblical examples of pivoting with courage is the life of the Apostle Paul.
Let me take you there…
Paul’s Radical Pivot
Before Paul became a passionate preacher of the Gospel, he was Saul—a zealous religious leader, known for persecuting Christians. He studied under Gamaliel, a respected teacher of Jewish law (Acts 22:3), and fiercely opposed the early church.
In Acts 9, while traveling to Damascus to arrest followers of Jesus, Saul is dramatically interrupted.
“Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” – Acts 9:4
God speaks. A blinding light stops him in his tracks. For three days, Saul sits in darkness—physically blind, but spiritually being prepared.
And while Saul waits, God works—through a man named Ananias.
Ananias is called to find Saul and lay hands on him. He doesn’t have all the answers. He’s likely afraid. But he obeys. And that act of obedience leads to Saul’s healing and transformation into Paul.
“Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again.” – Acts 9:18
Paul’s pivot didn’t just change his life—it changed history.
What This Means for Us as Leaders
We often celebrate open doors, but what if the closed ones are gifts too?
What if the confusion or resistance you’re facing right now isn’t a sign to push harder—but an invitation to pivot with purpose?
As leaders, we must be willing to follow God not only into new seasons, but through unexpected turns. And that requires trust.
3 Ways to Know It’s Time to Pivot
1. Pay Attention to the Resistance
When your best strategies no longer produce fruit, pause and pray. Sometimes resistance is a nudge toward transformation.
“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” – Proverbs 19:21
2. Pause in the Silence
Like Paul, some of your greatest insight may come during seasons of stillness. Don’t rush the quiet. God does deep work in hidden places.
“In quietness and trust is your strength…” – Isaiah 30:15
3. Obey Before You Understand
Ananias didn’t have the full picture—he had a word from God and a choice to obey. Sometimes clarity comes after obedience, not before.
Leadership Tool of the Week: Take the Clarity Quiz
Are you in a season where you’re questioning the next step? Wondering whether it’s time to push forward, pause, or pivot?
Take the Clarity Quiz — a short, powerful tool to help you discern what God might be revealing in this moment.
👉 Click here to take the Clarity Quiz
This quiz is designed for leaders like you—faith-filled, visionary, and navigating decisions that impact your team, your calling, and your purpose. Let it be a tool for reflection and redirection.
Reflection Question
What’s one door God closed in your life that ended up being a blessing in disguise?
Share your story in the comments. You never know who it might encourage.
Final Word
Maybe you’re sitting in your own season of waiting. The door has closed, and you can’t yet see the next one. I want to remind you:
God is not finished. He is faithful in the silence, purposeful in the pivot, and present in the process.