“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.”
— Ephesians 5:15–16 (ESV)
There’s something about opportunity that makes us feel alive — the anticipation, the sense of possibility, the hope that this could be the one thing that changes everything.
But we must recognize that not every open door is from God. And not every “yes” leads to growth. Some opportunities can compromise our values, pull us off course, and distract us from what we were truly called to build.
There’s a curious story in Acts 16. Paul and his companions were traveling through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, but Scripture says something surprising:
“…. having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in the province of Asia.”
– Acts 16:6 (ESV)
Wait — isn’t preaching the word always a good thing? Why would the Holy Spirit stop them?
Because even good opportunities can be the wrong ones if they don’t align with God’s timing and direction.
Later, Paul has a vision of a man from Macedonia begging him to come. That, it turns out, is where the Spirit was leading them all along.
This story reminds us that we must learn to exercise discernment instead of trying to grab every opportunity.
The presence of opportunity does not equal the presence of calling. Discernment teaches you to say ‘no’ with confidence, not guilt. Share on XLet’s bring this closer to home.
In today’s world, opportunities are everywhere. You can switch careers in six months. You can freelance for clients on the other side of the world. You can start a business from your phone. Every day, a new “next big thing” pops up on your feed.
And while this abundance can be a blessing, it also creates pressure. Pressure to perform. To hustle. To say yes quickly before the moment passes.
But Scripture calls us to a different pace. A slower, wiser, more Spirit-led one.
“The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.”
– Proverbs 21:5 (ESV)
So how do we discern which opportunities to pursue? How do we handle new seasons with both faith and wisdom?
Let me share a few principles that have guided me.
First, take deliberate action — even before you feel ready.
One of the lies that holds people back is the myth of “readiness.” We wait until we feel confident, competent, or fully prepared — and by the time we’re finally “ready,” the moment has passed.
But the truth is: readiness often follows action, not the other way around. You don’t grow before you show up. You grow because you show up.
When God called Moses, he protested: “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh?” (Exodus 3:11)
When Jeremiah was called, he said, “I do not know how to speak; I am too young.” (Jeremiah 1:6)
But God’s response was never, “Oh, okay, take a few more years.” It was always: “Go.” “I will be with you.” “I will help you speak.”
Growth happens as you move.
The only way to grow is to go. Maturity doesn’t come from theory — it comes from action. Share on XIf you’ve been learning something — a new skill, a subject, a spiritual discipline — don’t just keep learning. Find a small, practical way to apply it:
- Volunteer at your church or workplace.
- Offer to support a mentor on a project.
- Take on a small freelance task or community role.
Even if the beginning is small and messy, it counts.
Zechariah 4:10 says, “Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.”
Second, be clear in your commitments.
This one’s especially important when offering your help for free or at a discount — which we often do in ministry, mentorship, or early career stages.
It’s tempting to keep things vague — “I’ll just help however I can” — but vagueness breeds confusion. And confusion can damage relationships.
Helping is good, but without limits, it becomes harmful. Setting up clear boundaries is stewardship in action. Share on XJesus was clear about His own mission:
“I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God …. for I was sent for this purpose.”
– Luke 4:43 (ESV)
If Jesus, with unlimited power, had focus and boundaries, so should we.
So next time you offer to help someone, especially for free, consider saying something like:
“I’ll help you build the website and provide six months of maintenance. After that, we can discuss further arrangements.”
That small bit of clarity can preserve peace — and protect the relationship for the long haul.
Third, remember that all opportunities are not equal.
Not every open door is meant for you. Some are tests. Others are distractions. A few are traps.
The enemy doesn’t always attack with obvious evil. Sometimes, he lures us with something that is good but not in alignment with divine timing or purpose.
When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, Satan offered Him the kingdoms of the world — authority, fame, influence. Good things, offered the wrong way, at the wrong time, by the wrong source. (See Luke 4:5-8.)
Jesus said no, not because the vision was wrong, but because the path was.
You’ll face this too. A job that pays well but compromises your values. A partnership that seems profitable but doesn’t feel right. An invitation that flatters your ego but drains your energy.
Here’s the test: Does this opportunity align with your God-given mission and calling?
If the answer is no, be bold enough to walk away—even if it looks like a loss. Because what you’re really doing is making space for the right opportunity.
Fourth, use every opportunity for active learning.
Sometimes, the opportunity itself isn’t glamorous or exactly what you envisioned. It could be a side project, a stepping stone, or a support role.
Don’t dismiss it.
David didn’t go to the battlefield to fight Goliath. He went to deliver lunch. But it was in that small act of obedience that he was positioned for the bigger moment. (1 Samuel 17)
So even if you’re just supporting a team, watching someone else lead, or doing small tasks, do it with joy. Observe. Reflect. Grow.
If your heart is open, you can grow through every experience instead of just going through it.
Proverbs 4:7 (ESV) says, “The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight.”
Sometimes, the payment is humility. Other times, it’s time and patience. But what you gain is wisdom — and that’s priceless.
Finally, never trade your peace for an opportunity.
I’ve learned this the hard way.
No matter how good something looks on paper — if your spirit feels uneasy, pay attention.
We often call it “a gut feeling,” but I believe it’s deeper than that. It’s the Holy Spirit whispering, “Not this one.”
Colossians 3:15 says, “And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts….”
That word “rule” in Greek means to act as an umpire — to decide, to guide.
When in doubt, wait. The voice of God is often clearest in stillness, not in speed. Share on XSo if you’re facing a big decision, don’t just weigh the pros and cons. Sit with it in prayer until you have peace about it. Ask:
- Do I feel rushed?
- Do I feel pressure to prove something?
- Do I feel at peace?
The path of divine direction is often narrow, but it’s always filled with peace.
So what does all this mean for you?
It means that you don’t have to say yes to every opportunity.
You don’t have to be perfect before you begin.
You don’t have to fear letting people down when you set boundaries.
What you do need is this:
- A clear sense of purpose
- A prayerful, Spirit-led posture
- The courage to take imperfect action
- The wisdom to define expectations
- The faith to trust God’s timing
There’s no formula for always making perfect choices as we go through life but we can always count on God’s grace. By that grace, we learn to follow the Shepherd’s voice more clearly each day.
And if you’re standing at a crossroads right now, I pray that the Lord will give you the wisdom of Solomon, the courage of Esther, the discernment of Paul, and the peace of Christ.
Every step you take will be ordered by God. You will walk in alignment with your God-given purpose not under the pressure to fulfill a personal ambition or live up to society’s expectation; in Jesus’ name. Amen.