Not Every Open Door Is a Blessing: How to Discern God’s Will from the Enemy’s Traps

Podcast

Life is full of subtle deceptions, things that seem one way but carry a completely different truth beneath the surface. In a world where appearances can be deceiving, we must learn to be cautious, to look beyond the obvious, and discern the reality that lies beneath. It’s easy to fall into the trap of trusting what looks familiar, but not everything that resembles goodness or success is genuine. This is a lesson as old as time, and yet we continue to be misled by the allure of appearances.

Think of salt and sugar—they look so much alike. White, fine, and seemingly interchangeable to the untrained eye, but one brings balance to a dish, while the other, if used in the wrong place, can ruin everything. Life often works the same way. Just because something looks good or appears similar to what you’ve known doesn’t mean it will be good for you.

True wisdom calls us to examine the fruit of what we’re dealing with, not just its appearance. It’s easy to be misled by the outer layer of something or someone, but the real truth is often hidden deeper. Scripture reminds us, "By their fruit, you will recognize them" (Matthew 7:16-20). What we see on the surface may not always reflect the reality beneath, and we need discernment to avoid being deceived.

In moments of desperation, the danger grows even greater. When you’re thirsty—whether for love, success, or validation—beware of the temptation to drink poison just because it promises to quench your thirst.

When we’re desperate, we’re often willing to settle for whatever is in front of us, even if it’s toxic.

This is where we must be cautious, for desperation can blur the lines between what is good and what is harmful. Proverbs 14:12 warns us that "There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end, it leads to death." In these moments, we must seek patience and wisdom, for rushing into something just because it seems to fill an immediate need can lead to long-term damage.

Flattery, too, can be dangerous. Not every compliment or word of praise comes from a place of sincerity. Just as poison can taste sweet, manipulation often comes wrapped in smooth words designed to appeal to our ego. It’s easy to fall for this kind of deception, thinking that someone’s kind words or gestures are genuine when, in reality, they are just trying to twist our heart to their advantage. Proverbs 26:28 reminds us that “A lying tongue hates those it hurts, and a flattering mouth works ruin.” We need to learn to distinguish between genuine kindness and words that are meant to manipulate us.

Not every open door is a blessing. Just because an opportunity presents itself doesn’t mean it’s from God. Some doors, though they may seem like the answer we’ve been waiting for, lead to distraction, harm, or even destruction. We must pray for discernment to recognize whether God is opening the door or if it’s a trap laid by the enemy. "Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God" (1 John 4:1).

This kind of spiritual insight is 
vital to avoid falling into snares 
disguised as opportunities.

Half-truths are another tool of deception. The enemy loves to mix just enough truth with lies to make them believable. It’s the same tactic Satan used in the Garden of Eden when he twisted God’s words, planting doubt and confusion (Genesis 3:1-5). A lie, even wrapped in truth, is still a lie. If we don’t know the full truth, we can easily be deceived by the half-truths that come our way. This is why knowing God’s Word is so important. Without it, we become vulnerable to the enemy’s tricks and manipulations.

Even smooth talk, the kind that sounds so harmless or even attractive, can be a mask for dangerous intentions. Like wolves in sheep’s clothing, people or ideas can seem gentle and well-meaning, but underneath lies deception. Jesus warned us in Matthew 7:15 to "watch out for false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly they are ferocious wolves." It’s a caution we must take seriously, especially in a world filled with voices that seek to influence and persuade us.

We must weigh words carefully 
and look beyond their charm to 
see the true intent behind them.

In all these examples, there is a common thread: deception often comes disguised as something good, something desirable. The enemy knows that we are more likely to fall for his lies if they come wrapped in beauty, kindness, or opportunity. This is why spiritual discernment is so important. We are called to be "wise as serpents and innocent as doves" (Matthew 10:16), recognizing the traps set before us while maintaining a pure heart.

The ability to discern is not just a skill—it’s a protection against the subtle and dangerous deceptions of the enemy. Without it, we risk being led astray by what looks good on the outside but is destructive on the inside. As believers, we must continually ask God for wisdom and insight, for the ability to see things as they truly are, and not just as they appear. Our spiritual safety depends on it.

© 2024 Amanda Allen. All rights reserved.

Please share this message with a hurting world and respectfully direct readers back to Kingdom Revelations. www.KingdomRevelations.com