Life is full of decisions. Some are small and seemingly insignificant, while others have the power to shape our future. Many of us long to follow God’s plan, but with so many voices in our lives, it can be difficult to discern which path is truly from Him.
Have you ever wondered: Is this opportunity from God? Should I take this job? Move to a new city? Pursue this relationship?
Sometimes, an opportunity may look appealing, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s from God. Likewise, an open door that looks uncertain or even intimidating doesn’t mean you shouldn’t walk through it. The key is learning how to discern God’s will and recognize whether an opportunity is truly from Him.
I don’t want to miss the doors God opens because of fear, but I also don’t want to assume every opportunity is from Him just because it seems good. So how can we tell if a door is truly from God?
The Bible provides principles that help us test and discern whether an opportunity is an “open door” from God.
1. The Door That God Opens Will Never Contradict His Word
God will never lead you into something that contradicts His Word. No matter how appealing an opportunity might seem, if it requires you to compromise your faith, values, or obedience to Scripture, it is not from God.
For example, many people see a high-paying job offer as a blessing from God. However, if that job requires unethical practices, dishonesty, or neglecting fellowship with other believers, it contradicts Hebrews 10:25, which commands us not to neglect meeting together as believers.
Biblical Principle: God’s will is always aligned with His Word. If an opportunity requires disobedience to Scripture, it is not from Him.
Key Verse:
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” – Psalm 119:105
Reflection Question: Does this opportunity align with biblical principles, or does it require compromise?
2. The Door That God Opens Will Be Confirmed
God is not a God of confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33). When He opens a door, He will often confirm it through multiple sources, such as His Word, prayer, wise counsel, and circumstances.
In Matthew 18:16, Jesus spoke about establishing a matter by the testimony of two or three witnesses. Similarly, when God opens a door, He will confirm it through various means:
- Repeated verses or themes appearing in your personal Bible study
- Encouragement from spiritually mature mentors or pastors
- A consistent, undeniable leading from the Holy Spirit
For example, if you’re considering a major decision like moving to another state for a job, you might find that:
✔ A sermon you hear speaks directly to your situation.
✔ A trusted mentor gives you wisdom that aligns with what you’ve been praying about.
✔ Unexpected circumstances seem to affirm the decision.
When multiple confirmations align with God’s Word, you can have confidence that the door is truly from Him.
Key Verse:
“By the mouth of two or three witnesses every word shall be established.” – 2 Corinthians 13:1
Reflection Question: Have I sought God’s confirmation through prayer, Scripture, and wise counsel?
3. The Door God Opens Will Require You to Depend on Him
God desires a deep relationship with us, and He often leads us into situations that require faith. If an opportunity makes you completely self-sufficient, causing you to feel like you don’t need God, it may not be from Him.
Matthew 6:33 reminds us to seek first the kingdom of God, and everything else will be added to us. Many times, an “open door” will stretch our faith and push us out of our comfort zones.
Think about Peter walking on water in Matthew 14:29-30. Jesus called him to step out of the boat, requiring faith and total dependence on Him. Likewise, if God is calling you to something that requires you to lean on Him daily, it may be a sign that it’s His will.
