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.
Key Verse:
“Without faith, it is impossible to please God.” – Hebrews 11:6
Reflection Question: Does this decision strengthen my dependence on God, or am I trying to do it in my own strength?
4. The Door God Opens Will Bring Peace, Not Confusion
One of the greatest indicators of whether an opportunity is from God is the presence of His peace. That doesn’t mean there won’t be challenges or uncertainties, but it does mean you will experience a deep, unshakable peace about the decision, even in the midst of difficulties.
Philippians 4:6-7 reminds us that when we bring our requests before God, His peace, which surpasses all understanding, will guard our hearts and minds.
If an opportunity is causing extreme anxiety, turmoil, and confusion, it may not be from God. His direction brings clarity and confidence, not chaos.
Key Verse:
“For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace.” – 1 Corinthians 14:33
Reflection Question: Do I feel God’s peace about this decision, or am I overwhelmed with anxiety?
5. The Door That God Opens Will Glorify Him
Everything God does is ultimately for His glory. An opportunity from Him will point others to Christ, strengthen your faith, and allow you to serve Him more effectively.
Ask yourself:
✔ Does this opportunity align with my purpose in Christ?
✔ Will it allow me to share my faith and bring others closer to God?
✔ Is this about God’s glory or my own success?
Key Verse:
“So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” – 1 Corinthians 10:31
Reflection Question: Does this decision ultimately bring glory to God?
Final Steps: Seeking God’s Will with Confidence
Once you have evaluated the opportunity using these principles, take these final steps to ensure you are walking in God’s will:
1. Pray for Wisdom
James 1:5 promises that if we ask for wisdom, God will give it generously.
2. Seek Counsel from Godly Mentors
Proverbs 11:14 says, “Where there is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is safety.”
3. Take a Step of Faith
If God has confirmed the direction, step out in faith. Trust that He will guide you as you walk in obedience.
Final Encouragement
God desires for us to walk in His will. He is not trying to hide His plan from us! If you are sincerely seeking Him, He will make His direction clear in His timing.
Remember:
✅ God’s open doors never contradict His Word.
✅ He will confirm His direction through multiple ways.
✅ His plans will require faith and bring peace.
✅ The right decision will glorify Him.
No matter what decision you face, God is faithful to lead you. When you seek Him first, you can move forward in confidence knowing that He is guiding your steps.
Key Verse:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6
