How Do I Know If an Opportunity Is from God or Just a Distraction?

Question: How do I know if an opportunity is from God or just a distraction? Should I say yes to every open door because God might have opened it?

⚡ Quick Answer

Not every open door is from God. Just because an opportunity is available doesn't mean God opened it or assigned it to you. Biblical discernment requires testing opportunities against Scripture (does it align with God's Word?), your calling (does it match your God-given assignment?), godly counsel (what do mature believers say?), and peace (Colossians 3:15). God's doors come with divine power and confirmation; distractions drain your resources and scatter your focus; and the enemy's doors require compromise. Saying no to good opportunities that aren't YOUR assignment is not lack of faith—it's protection of your anointing.

Biblical Foundation: God tells the church in Philadelphia, "I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it" (Revelation 3:8, KJV)—notice God OPENS the door. But Proverbs 16:9 reminds us, "A man's heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps"—just because your heart devises a path doesn't mean the Lord is directing it.

This is for the Christian woman entrepreneur who's drowning in opportunities and can't figure out which ones are actually from God. If that's not your current challenge, that's completely okay.

Why Do Christian Entrepreneurs Struggle with Saying No to Opportunities?

Three months ago, a Christian entrepreneur told me: "I'm on five boards, speaking at three conferences, launching a new product, and running my core business. I said yes to all of it because these were clearly open doors from God. But I'm exhausted, my family barely sees me, and I can't remember the last time I prayed about anything except 'help me survive this week.'"

If you've ever felt this way, you're not alone. Christian entrepreneurs face a unique pressure: the belief that saying no to opportunities is somehow saying no to God's provision, God's calling, or God's blessing.

But here's the hard truth: Just because a door is open doesn't mean God opened it.

The enemy doesn't need to close doors to distract you. He just needs to open enough of them that you run yourself ragged chasing opportunities that scatter your focus, drain your resources, and ultimately pull you away from your actual assignment.

What's the Difference Between an Open Door and God's Assignment?

Here's the foundational truth that changes everything: Not every opportunity is an assignment.

In our productivity-obsessed culture, we've equated "open door" with "God's will." We see an opportunity—a speaking engagement, a partnership, a new revenue stream, a board position—and if there's no obvious reason we can't do it, we assume we should.

But that's not biblical discernment. That's just availability.

Consider this: How many "God-opened doors" in your life have led to:

• Burnout instead of breakthrough

• Distraction instead of direction

• Depletion instead of fulfillment

• Scattered focus instead of Kingdom impact

If the "open doors" in your business are leaving you exhausted and scattered, it's time to reconsider whether God actually opened them—or whether you just walked through because they were unlocked.

What Does the Bible Say About Open Doors?

Scripture does talk about open doors, but not the way popular Christian culture often teaches.

What Does Revelation 3:8 Teach About God's Open Doors?

"I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it" (Revelation 3:8, KJV).

Notice several things about this verse:

• God sets the door before you—it's not just any opportunity that presents itself

• The door comes with a promise: "no man can shut it"

• This is a door that carries divine power and protection

When God opens a door, you'll face opposition (every God-given assignment does), but that door cannot be shut by human effort. If an "opportunity" disappears at the first sign of resistance, it might not have been God's door to begin with.

Does an Open Door Always Mean God's Will?

"A man's heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps" (Proverbs 16:9, KJV).

Just because your heart devises a path and the door swings open doesn't automatically mean the Lord is directing you through it. We can make plans. We can spot opportunities. We can open doors for ourselves. But that doesn't make them God's will.

Can an Open Door Have Opposition and Still Be from God?

In 1 Corinthians 16:9, Paul writes: "For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries" (KJV).

Notice: Paul faced an open door AND many adversaries. The opposition didn't mean the door wasn't from God. In fact, often the biggest God-doors come with the fiercest opposition.

But here's the key: Paul didn't walk through every open door. In Acts 16:6-7, the Holy Spirit prevented him from preaching in Asia and wouldn't allow him to enter Bithynia—both seemingly good opportunities.

Biblical discernment sometimes means recognizing which open doors God is calling you NOT to walk through.

What Are the Three Types of Doors Every Entrepreneur Faces?

Not all doors are created equal. Here's how to distinguish between them:

How Do I Recognize a Door from God?

Characteristics:

• Aligns with Scripture and your core calling

• Comes with supernatural peace, even amid opposition (Colossians 3:15)

• May face external resistance but carries internal confirmation

• Moves you toward your God-given purpose, not away from it

• Is confirmed through prayer, Scripture, and godly counsel

• Creates Kingdom impact, not just activity

Biblical Example: Paul's vision to go to Macedonia (Acts 16:9-10). Despite being prevented from other "good" opportunities, Paul received clear direction to a specific door.

How Do I Spot a Door of Distraction?

Characteristics:

• Looks good and may even seem "spiritual"

• Pulls you from your primary assignment

• Creates busyness without corresponding breakthrough

• Scatters your focus instead of sharpening it

• Drains resources without producing lasting fruit

• Often comes with urgency or FOMO ("everyone's doing it")

Biblical Example: Consider Martha in Luke 10:38-42. She was serving Jesus—a good thing! But it became a distraction from the "one thing needed." Good activities can still be distractions from the best thing.

How Do I Identify a Door from the Enemy?

Characteristics:

• Directly contradicts God's Word or character

• Requires compromise of your values or integrity

• Comes with pressure to decide quickly, bypassing prayer

• Leads to isolation from godly counsel

• Promises shortcuts that bypass biblical principles

• Feels "too good to be true" or requires secrecy

Biblical Example: Satan's temptation of Jesus (Matthew 4:8-9). The enemy literally offered Jesus "all the kingdoms of the world"—an open door to accomplish His mission without the cross. Jesus recognized it as a trap and refused.

How Do I Practice Biblical Discernment for Business Opportunities?

Here's a practical framework based on biblical principles:

Does the Opportunity Align with Scripture?

"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path" (Psalm 119:105, KJV).

God will never lead you through a door that contradicts His Word. If an opportunity requires you to:

• Compromise your integrity

• Neglect your family (1 Timothy 5:8)

• Violate biblical principles

• Partner with those who oppose your faith

...it's not God's door, no matter how wide it's open.

Does the Opportunity Fit My Calling?

"For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do" (Ephesians 2:10, NIV).

Notice: God prepared specific works for YOU. Not every good work. Your specific works.

Ask yourself:

• Does this opportunity align with the calling God has placed on my life?

• Does it leverage my unique gifts and experiences?

• Does it move me toward my purpose, or is it just "a good opportunity"?

Do I Have Peace About This Decision?

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts" (Colossians 3:15, NIV).

The Greek word for "rule" here means "to act as umpire." God's peace is designed to call you "safe" or "out" on decisions.

This doesn't mean the absence of fear or nervousness—God-sized assignments often feel scary. But there's a difference between:

• Healthy fear with peace (stepping into something big but right)

• Anxiety without peace (warning that something's off)

What Do My Godly Counselors Say?

"Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety" (Proverbs 11:14, ESV).

God rarely gives direction that contradicts the wisdom of multiple godly counselors who know you well. If everyone in your life is saying "this seems off" and you're the only one convinced it's God—pause.

What's the Cost to My Primary Assignment?

"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness" (Matthew 6:33, ESV).

Every yes to a new opportunity is a no to something else. Ask:

• What will I have to say no to in order to say yes to this?

• Does this opportunity enhance my primary calling or compete with it?

• Will this drain resources (time, energy, money) that should go to my core assignment?

What's the Step-by-Step Process for Evaluating Opportunities?

Here's a practical process for evaluating opportunities:

Step 1: The 48-Hour Rule

When an opportunity presents itself, don't answer immediately. Give yourself at least 48 hours to:

• Pray about it

• Search Scripture for relevant principles

• Sleep on it (morning clarity often reveals what midnight enthusiasm obscured)

Say: "Let me pray about this and get back to you by [specific date]."

Step 2: The Core Calling Test

Write down your God-given calling in one sentence. Then ask:

• Does this opportunity move me toward this calling or away from it?

• Could I accomplish my calling without this opportunity?

• If I say yes to this, what part of my calling will suffer?

Step 3: The Peace Check

After praying, ask yourself:

• Do I have genuine peace about this, or just excitement?

• Am I being driven by FOMO or by the Holy Spirit?

• Would I still say yes if this opportunity came with zero recognition or applause?

Step 4: The Counsel Test

Present the opportunity to 2-3 people who:

• Know you well

• Know your calling

• Have no personal stake in your decision

• Have demonstrated godly wisdom

If they're all cautious while you're excited, pay attention.

Step 5: The Resource Reality Check

Honestly calculate:

• Time required (including prep, execution, follow-up)

• Financial investment needed

• Emotional energy demanded

• Impact on family and primary relationships

If the cost to your core calling is higher than the benefit, it's probably a distraction.

What Does the Bible Say About Closed Doors?

Sometimes God's direction comes through closed doors, not open ones.

Are Closed Doors a Form of God's Protection?

In Genesis 7:16, after Noah, his family, and the animals entered the ark, "the Lord shut the door behind Noah" (GNT).

God closed that door to protect Noah from the flood. Sometimes what feels like rejection is actually protection.

Can Closed Doors Be Redirection from God?

Paul wanted to preach in Asia and Bithynia, but the Holy Spirit prevented him (Acts 16:6-7). Those closed doors led him to Macedonia, where the gospel spread throughout Europe.

The closed door wasn't punishment—it was redirection to something better.

How Should I Respond to Closed Doors?

• Thank God for protection you may not understand yet

• Look for the open door He's directing you toward instead

• Trust His timing - a closed door now doesn't mean closed forever

• Examine your heart - were you forcing that door because you wanted it, not because God assigned it?

Why Is It Okay to Close Doors God Didn't Open?

Here's what you need to hear:

You're allowed to close doors that God didn't open.

Even if:

• Other people think you're crazy

• It looks like a "once in a lifetime" opportunity

• Everyone else is saying yes

• You feel guilty for declining

• It could make you money or gain influence

If it's not your God-given assignment, it's not worth the cost to your calling.

Saying no to good opportunities isn't lack of faith. It's protection of your anointing.

FAQ: Common Questions About Discerning God's Doors

How do I know if an opportunity is from God or just a distraction?

Test every opportunity against five criteria: (1) Does it align with Scripture? (2) Does it fit your God-given calling? (3) Do you have peace from the Holy Spirit? (4) Do godly counselors confirm it? (5) Does the benefit outweigh the cost to your primary assignment? God's doors align with all five; distractions may look good but fail one or more tests.

Should I say yes to every open door because God might have opened it?

No. Not every open door is from God. Paul was prevented by the Holy Spirit from entering Asia and Bithynia (Acts 16:6-7), even though they seemed like good ministry opportunities. God sometimes closes or redirects you from "good" doors to lead you to "best" doors. Biblical discernment means knowing which doors NOT to walk through.

What if I say no to an opportunity and miss God's blessing?

If it's truly God's door, "no man can shut it" (Revelation 3:8). If you miss it, it wasn't yours to begin with. God's assignments come with God's timing and provision. You don't have to scramble to catch blessings. Better to say no and be wrong than say yes and burn out pursuing something God never assigned.

How can I tell the difference between fear and the Holy Spirit's warning?

Fear of stepping into something big but right comes with underlying peace (God's assignments often feel scary but carry His peace). Anxiety without peace is often the Holy Spirit's warning that something is off. Check Colossians 3:15—God's peace acts as an umpire, calling you "safe" or "out" on decisions.

What should I do if everyone says an opportunity is great but I don't have peace?

Trust the lack of peace. "Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety" (Proverbs 11:14). While godly counsel is important, the Holy Spirit may be revealing something to you that others can't see. If multiple mature believers AND the Holy Spirit are all cautious, definitely pause. If counselors say yes but you lack peace, pray for clarity and don't rush.

Is it lack of faith to say no to opportunities?

No. Saying no to opportunities that aren't your God-given assignment is wisdom, not lack of faith. Jesus said no to opportunities (like immediately revealing Himself to crowds) because they conflicted with His Father's timing. Faithfulness means obeying YOUR assignment, not saying yes to every assignment.

How do I close a door gracefully without offending people?

Use a simple, honest response: "Thank you for thinking of me. After praying about this, I don't have peace that this is God's direction for me right now. I need to focus on my primary calling." You don't owe lengthy explanations. If people are offended by your obedience to God, that's between them and God.

Your Turn: Let's Continue the Conversation

What "open door" are you currently walking through that's draining you instead of fueling you? Or have you learned to say no to opportunities? How do you practice discernment in your business decisions?

I'd love to hear from you. Drop a comment below and let's learn from each other.

About the Author

I'm Sandra Mosley, founder of The Fempreneur Chronicles, a faith-driven newsletter for Christian women entrepreneurs who want to grow businesses that honor God, reflect Kingdom values, and create lasting impact.

With 20+ years in human resources, finance, grant writing, and business strategy—and as an AI consultant and trainer—I help women of faith integrate biblical principles with modern entrepreneurship and technology. I support Christian entrepreneurs with clarity, confidence, and actionable strategies.

I believe faith, business, and technology aren't separate—they're deeply connected. Through my journals, workshops, and bi-weekly newsletter, I provide tools that help entrepreneurs build Christ-centered businesses with focus and integrity.

Connect with me on LinkedIn or subscribe to The Fempreneur Chronicles for insights on Christian entrepreneurship, faith-driven business growth, and biblical discernment. Thank you for stopping by.

References and Further Reading

1. Biblical Leadership. (2023). What the Bible Says About the Doors in Your Life. Retrieved from https://www.biblicalleadership.com

2. Jericho Walls International. (2025). How to Discern Open and Closed Doors. Retrieved from https://jwipn.com

3. She Leads Daily. (2025). Open Doors in the Bible: Meaning, Scriptures & Divine Opportunities. Retrieved from https://www.worthbeyondrubies.com

4. The Gospel Coalition. (2022). Gideon's Fleece: Discerning or Disobedient? Retrieved from https://www.thegospelcoalition.org