As Christians, we all believe that God has a plan for our lives.
However, sometimes we struggle with determining if a certain opportunity or situation is actually part of God’s plan.
We wonder if the open door before us is really from Him or if it’s just a tempting distraction that could lead us astray.
If you’ve ever found yourself in this predicament, know that you’re not alone and there are ways that we can figure out if an open door before us is actually from God.
Alignment with God’s Word
The first and most important way to determine if an open door is from God is to check if it aligns with His Word.
The Bible is our ultimate guidebook, and it’s full of wisdom and guidance from God.
If the opportunity before us goes against what the Bible teaches, we can be sure it isn’t from God.
Conversely, if it lines up with His Word, it’s likely part of His plan for us.
Peace in Your Heart
Another key factor to consider when determining if an open door is from God is the peace in our hearts.
Philippians 4:7 says, “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
If we’re feeling a sense of peace about the situation, it could be an indication that God is leading us in that direction.
Confirmation from Others
Proverbs 11:14 says, “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.”
Sometimes, God uses other people to confirm if a door is opened by Him.
Seek out wise counsel and guidance from trusted family members, friends, or pastors who can offer a fresh perspective and valuable insights into your situation.
They can help you confirm if an open door is a part of God’s plan or not.
Personal Growth
God often uses new opportunities as a way to stretch and grow us spiritually.
If the open door before us presents an opportunity for personal growth and development, it could be a sign that God is leading us in that direction.
Consider whether this new opportunity aligns with your spiritual gifts, talents, and passions.
Closed Doors
Sometimes, God shuts one door to open another.
If you’ve been praying for direction and the doors keep closing on a particular opportunity, it could be a sign that it’s not part of God’s plan for you.
Remember that God’s timing is perfect, and He knows what’s best for us.
Prayerful Discernment, Patience, and Persistence
Finally, we must approach decisions with prayerful discernment, patience, and persistence.
James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
Through prayer, we can seek guidance and direction from God.
However, we must also be patient and persistent in seeking His will, trusting that He will reveal it to us in His perfect timing.
Trusting God’s plan for our lives can be challenging sometimes. But we can trust in God’s promises, knowing that even if we do make a misstep, He is always guiding us back to His plan.
As we continue to grow in our faith and relationship with Him, the process of discernment becomes easier, and we can more confidently step through those open doors that are from Him.
