When God Asks You to Close a Door You Prayed to Open
There are moments in business when obedience doesn’t look like growth — it looks like release.
In this episode of The Abiding CEO® Podcast, I sat down with my dear friend, colleague, and sister in Christ, Dr. Rochelle Mason, for a conversation that wasn’t planned — but was deeply led. What unfolded was a powerful testimony about seasons, surrender, and trusting God when the assignment changes.
Dr. Rochelle comes from a lineage of entrepreneurs. Business language was part of her childhood, long before she ever imagined owning one herself. Eventually, she stepped out in faith — leaving a stable, well-paying corporate role — to start a consulting business God had been nudging her toward for years.
And for a season, it flourished.
But then something unexpected happened. The business began to dry up.
No clear reason. No dramatic failure. Just… less.
That’s often how God speaks.
🌱 The Obedience to Close
Dr. Rochelle did what many faithful entrepreneurs do — she prayed for strategy. For clarity. For a way to reignite momentum.
Instead, God gave her a single instruction:
“Shut it down.”
That moment stirred fear, grief, and resistance. Not because the business was bad — but because obedience to close can feel like admitting defeat. It can challenge our identity, our pride, and our trust.
What will people think?
Was this all for nothing?
Did I miss God?
But through prayer, retreat, Scripture, and multiple confirmations, Dr. Rochelle realized something profound: obedience isn’t about permanence — it’s about alignment.
God wasn’t rejecting her business. He was repositioning her.
🕊 Nothing Is Wasted
When Dr. Rochelle stepped into a full-time role at Richmond Graduate University, the fruit of her obedience became visible. A four-day workweek. Travel. Rest. Community. Healing. Joy.
Every skill she developed as an entrepreneur — systems thinking, leadership, discernment — became essential in her new role. The season of business wasn’t a mistake. It was preparation.
This is a truth every Christian entrepreneur needs to hear:
God never wastes surrendered seasons.
Sometimes the faith move isn’t scaling — it’s slowing.
Sometimes the win isn’t expansion — it’s peace.
📖 Led With Sparkle
We ended the episode in Psalm 23, lingering on one phrase:
“He leads me…”
In Hebrew, that word carries meaning beyond direction — it implies flow, light, even sparkle.
When God leads, there is grace on the movement. Favor on the timing. Peace in the pace.
And when we try to shepherd ourselves? We burn out, strive, and scatter.
💛 Reflection
Ask yourself:
Is God inviting me to open something — or to release something?
Am I following His leading, or chasing what’s being glamorized?
Where might obedience be making room for healing?
Being spirit-led may cost you certainty — but it will never cost you peace.
🎧 Listen to Episode 37: Replay: Faith and Business: Embracing God’s Timing for Entrepreneurial Success – Interview with Dr. Rochelle Mason
Embrace Abundance® — Secure in Christ, Steady in Business.