When it comes to discerning if an open door is from God, it can be a deeply personal and spiritual journey. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, there are several signs that can indicate that God is opening a door for you. I’ll share some of these signs, backed by scripture, to help guide you in your decision-making process.
1. Answered Prayer: One of the clearest signs that God is opening a door is when your prayers align with the opportunity presenting itself. In Matthew 7:7-8, Jesus says, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.” If you have been praying for guidance or a specific opportunity, and it suddenly manifests, it could be a clear answer to your prayers.
2. Confirmation from Wise Counsel: Seeking advice and guidance from wise and mature believers can be instrumental in discerning if an open door is from God. Proverbs 15:22 says, “Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers, they succeed.” When seeking advice, make sure the counsel aligns with biblical principles and that multiple sources confirm the opportunity as being in line with God’s will.
3. Discomfort in Your Current Situation: Sometimes, God opens doors by making us uncomfortable in our current circumstances. If you feel a sense of restlessness or dissatisfaction in your current situation, it could be a sign that God is leading you towards a new opportunity. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us to bring our anxieties to God and promises that His peace will guard our hearts and minds. If you find that pursuing this open door brings you a sense of peace and relief, it may be a sign that God is leading you in that direction.
4. Opportunities You Didn’t Ask for: Sometimes, God surprises us with opportunities we didn’t even think to pray for. In Isaiah 55:8-9, God says, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways… For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” If an unexpected opportunity arises and it aligns with your values and desires, it could be a door that God is opening for you.
5. God Speaks in a Dream: Throughout the Bible, God often speaks to His people through dreams and visions. In Job 33:14-15, it says, “For God speaks in one way, and in two, though man does not perceive it. In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falls on men, while they slumber on their beds.” If you have a dream that seems to be divinely inspired and points you towards a particular opportunity, it’s worth considering if God is using that dream to open a door for you.
6. It Blesses Others: One way to discern if an open door is from God is to consider how it impacts not just yourself but also those around you. In Galatians 5:22-23, the fruits of the Spirit are listed, including love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. If pursuing this opportunity aligns with these fruits and brings blessings to others, it could be a sign that God is behind it.
7. It Brings Peace: In John 14:27, Jesus says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” When God opens a door, it often comes with a sense of peace and tranquility. If you feel a deep sense of peace in your heart and a lack of anxiety or fear when considering this opportunity, it could be an indication that it is from God.
The journey of discerning if an open door is from God requires prayer, seeking wise counsel, and aligning your desires with biblical principles. While these signs can be helpful, it’s essential to remember that God’s ways are higher than ours, and His plans may not always align with our expectations. Trusting in Him, seeking His guidance, and remaining open to His leading will ultimately help you discern if an open door is from Him.