Scripture: “The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.”
— Deuteronomy 29:29.
There is a profound difference between what God allows and what God approves. Understanding this difference is an important part of spiritual maturity and discernment.
Sometimes, God allows something to happen without endorsing it. His permission does not necessarily mean His pleasure. The fact that a door opened does not automatically mean God opened it. The fact that something succeeded does not mean God approved of it. And the fact that a person escaped the consequences of a wrong decision does not mean heaven endorsed that decision.
The Bible gives us several examples. God allowed Israel to have a king when they demanded one, even though their demand was not His original desire for them at that time (1 Samuel 8:6–22). God permitted Balaam to go with the men who came to summon him, yet God was displeased with the motive behind his journey (Numbers 22:20–22).
Similarly, God allowed Israel to experience the consequences of their rebellion, not because He approved their rebellion, but because He respected the consequences of their choices.
This is why circumstances alone are not sufficient evidence of God’s approval. A successful business deal may still have been built on dishonesty.
A relationship may continue even though it is outside God’s will. Someone may gain wealth through questionable means and appear to prosper. A person may receive an opportunity simply because circumstances aligned. None of these things, by themselves, prove divine approval.
God’s permission should never be confused with God’s endorsement.
Discernment therefore requires us to ask deeper questions: Does this agree with God’s Word? Does it produce righteousness? Does it honour Christ? What is the motive behind it? What fruit will it produce? Does the Holy Spirit give peace and conviction, or am I simply trying to justify what I already want?
The Apostle Paul warned believers: “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
— Romans 12:2.
Notice the words “prove” and “will of God.” Discernment requires examination. Not everything that is possible is profitable. Not everything that is available is appropriate. Not every opportunity is an assignment from God.
Sometimes God allows us to walk through a difficult season because He wants to teach us something. Sometimes He allows a wrong choice to expose what is in our hearts. Sometimes He allows consequences because He wants us to learn obedience.
His allowing something does not mean He has abandoned us; sometimes His permission becomes part of His discipline, correction or preparation.
We must therefore stop interpreting every open door as a divine endorsement. An open door still needs to be tested by the Word of God.
Jesus said, “Ye shall know them by their fruits.”
— Matthew 7:16. The fruit matters. Character matters. Motive matters. Truth matters. God’s Word remains the final standard.
Dear reader, do not merely ask, “Did God allow this?” Ask the more important question: “Does God approve of this?”
There are things God may allow because He has given humanity free will. But His approval is revealed through His Word, His character and His righteous standards.
May God give us the wisdom to distinguish between permission and approval, opportunity and assignment, patience and endorsement, and an open door and the right door.
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, give me the spirit of discernment to know the difference between what You have allowed and what You have approved. Deliver me from interpreting every opportunity as Your will. Help me to test every decision by Your Word, to recognise Your voice, and to walk in obedience even when doing so is difficult.
May my choices bring glory to Your name. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
DAILY CONFESSION
I will not mistake God’s permission for God’s approval. I will seek His Word, His wisdom and His will before making decisions. I receive the grace to discern correctly and walk in the perfect will of God. Amen.
Have a blessed Sunday!
