The Gift of Discernment

Biblical discernment is knowing what is from God, and yet not attributing ‘everything’ to be from God.

We cannot have discernment if we do not seek it.

The work ‘seek’ in Biblical terms isn’t like looking for lost car keys. We won’t just stumble upon discernment.

Earnestly seeking first the Kingdom will bring you discernment into any circumstance. To seek is to strongly desire and search for God’s presence and guidance.

How to gain discernment in decision making

Doors open (and close) all the time. How can we be sure that God is responsible for the opportunity in front of us?

Step 1: Seek clarity through prayer. Ask and you shall find, pray for wisdom and wisdom will be given to you, talk with God, and He will listen to you. Pray first, and then pay attention to affirmation from Him or other wise counsel. God often affirms Himself through other godly influences.

Step 2: Seek clarity from His Word. God will never go against His Word. So if the door that is opened will cause you to go against scripture, whether in action, behavior, method to get there, or outcome, it’s not from God.

Step 3: Seek clarity in His character. God’s character never changes. He is always good, always faithful, and always in relationship with us. Will walking through the door grow your relationship with Him? When God opens doors, we are often not ready for whatever it is. It increases our dependence on Him and our ability to walk forward in faith. Will He be glorified through it? If not, it’s not from Him. Will it cause you to become independent of Him? If so, it’s not from Him.

We cannot afford not to seek discernment.

The enemy studies us. His mission is to steal, kill, and destroy. He watches us, learning our moves, motives, and desires. Then he schemes against us, prowling, lying in wait for the time to pounce.

We cannot afford for him to walk through a door that WE opened.

God will open the doors that He has meant for us. However, there will be good opportunities that may not be meant for us. Not every opened door, not every good opportunity, is a God opportunity. God opportunities are part of His purpose for our abundant life.

Study verses: Psalm 27:8, Matthew 7:7, James 1:5, Matthew 6:33, Proverbs 11:14, 2 Timothy 2:13, Hebrews 6:18, Matthew 21:22, Matthew 5:16, John 10:10, John 15:5, Psalm 9:10, Psalm 23:6.

Xo, Jalene