Spiritual Discernment is defined as a decision-making process in which an individual makes a discovery that can lead to future action. In the process of Christian spiritual discernment God guides the individual to help them arrive at the best decision. That is essential in this Christian journey; because, we need the Spiritual Discernment afforded by the indwelling Holy Spirit to guide us each step of the way. Sometimes we face very difficult decisions and are uncertain as to the way to go, until the doors all shut before us and around us. That does not mean we throw up our hands and quit. Rather with hope filled expectation we await the Holy Spirit to open the right door. At other times we face severe tribulations and wonder if we could have gotten off track, only to find the Holy Spirit filling our heart with peace and joy amid the trials.
Certainly, this was the case for Paul as he embarked on his second missionary journey. He was provided with abounding faith in his heart, along side a mind filled with spiritual discernment for the journey. The ups and downs of life presented themselves all along the way, yet he remained focused on Jesus Christ, his Lord and Savior every step of the way. Early along this journey he met Timothy who became as dear to him as a son would be. After Timothy accepted Christ, Paul recommend he be circumcised. Not because it was needed for salvation, as Paul had fought to prove in the previous chapter. Rather this was done to open more doors for Timothy as he grew in the ministry of Christ. As Paul later wrote, “take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to them that are weak” (1Corinthians 8:9).
Spiritual Discernment for Travel
He traveled to the churches established during his first missionary journey, establishing them in doctrinal truth.
6 Now when they had gone through Phrygia and the region of Galatia, they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia. 7 After they had come to Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit did not permit them. 8 So passing by Mysia, they came down to Troas. 9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night. A man of Macedonia stood and pleaded with him, saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” 10 Now after he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go to Macedonia, concluding that the Lord had called us to preach the gospel to them (Acts 16 NKJV).
For a moment it appeared that all roads were being shut. Many would have just sat down and quit, doubting their calling; but not Paul. The only remaining passage, narrow though it be, led them into Europe. It was spiritual discernment that lead Paul to go. Yes, he had a vision; but not all dreams can be relied upon. In this case, he concluded that it was from the Lord due to spiritual discernment. And what a blessing that turned out to be! Luke joined them in Troas.
Then in Philippi, on the Sabbath day we (Paul and Luke) went out of the city to the riverside, where prayer was customarily made; and we sat down and spoke to the women who met there (Acts 16:13). There Lydia accepted Christ as Lord and Savior. She was strong businesswoman who proved to be a blessing to the church. Think of this! This was during the first century and as always, God elevates women as precious to the ministry.
Spiritual Discernment even in jail
While preaching in Philippi, there was a woman possessed by demons. She was being trafficked by her “masters” to perform witchcraft. Yet, the demon inside her continued to cry out, “These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation. And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour (Acts 16:17-18). Most of us would have been happy to be praised as God’s voice, even if by a devil. Yet, in his spiritual discernment, Paul knew that it was not to bring God Glory. Rather, the demon would then twist the truth to Satanic gain, somehow. When her masters realized they could no longer exploit her for money, they had Paul and Silas imprisoned.
But as they prayed, the angel came and loosed them, opening all the doors. I would have probably said, “Thank you Lord” and run out of there. But not Paul. His spiritual discernment allowed him to stay put for a higher purpose. As a result, the jailer and all his household accepted Christ as Savior, becoming the leaders and founders of the Christian church in Philippi. Therefore, spiritual discernment tells us when to go and when to stay, when to speak and when to be silent. Wow!
There were later released anyway because they were roman citizens and could not be held in jail there.
How to Gain Spiritual Discernment?
As we grow in our faith, the Spirit grows within us. We must keep our eyes focused on the truth of scripture, with prayer and bible study. Leaning into, abiding in Jesus Christ; we ask for wisdom and discernment in all that we do or say. James 1:5 tells us, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. We are to lay aside all our selfish desire, go where he tells us to go, while we trust and obey. He will show you the way. That He has promised.
DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD?
If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because, He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.
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©Effie Darlene Barba, 2019
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
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New King James Version (NKJV)
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.