Discernment

Sometime back, Jayne and I were having a conversation when she asked "How do we know that it is God telling us to do something and not the devil?"

Well what is discernment? I found several meanings of which is best described as: The act or process of exhibiting keen insight and good judgment.

Okay, the question still remains: How do I know that God is talking to me and not satan?

We begin by having a personal relationship with Him, whereas we talk, He listens, He talks, we listen. Here are 7 ways to help you get that relationship with Him:

1. Reading scripture: All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

2. The Holy Spirit speaking to our heart: "For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the LORD: I will put My laws in their mind and write them on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. None of them shall teach his neighbor, and none his brother, saying, ‘Know the LORD,’ for all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them." Hebrews 8:10-11

3. The Prophetic (word of knowledge, word of wisdom, personal prophecy): Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies. Test all things; hold fast what is good. 1 Thessalonians 5:19-21

4. Godly counsel: "Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors there is safety." Proverbs 11:14

5. Confirmation: "But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that ‘by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established." Matthew 18:16

6. The peace of God: "And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful." Colossians 3:15

7. Circumstances/Timing: "After these things Paul departed from Athens and went to Corinth. And he found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla (because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to depart from Rome); and he came to them. So, because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and worked; for by occupation they were tentmakers." Acts 18:1-3

Many times the Lord will confirm His direction to us through three, four or more of these keys -- especially when we are in the process of making an important, life-changing decision.

The bottom line is that big decisions take big prayer. In other words, as we humble ourselves before the Lord, seek His guidance in our lives, God will be faithful to lead us, "…He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake" Psalm 23:3.