Spiritual discernment and insight

Have you ever been duped, deceived, cheated, or taken advantage of? I have, and it really stinks. I must confess that I’ve been mad at myself for being so gullible. I tend to trust people too quickly and entrust myself to them too easily. Have you ever heard the saying, “Burn me once, shame on you. Burn me twice, shame on me”? Oh my, I’ve been guilty of this tendency way too many times, so I’ve prayed for more discernment. 

Do you know what the Bible says about discernment? “But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.” (1 Corinthians 12:7-10, NKJV, bold added)  

Hallelujah! Praise the Lord. The Spirit of God wants to give you and me more discernment. In fact, it’s listed along with miracles, knowledge, wisdom, and faith. I must confess this is a big need in my life. Whom should I trust? Where should I invest my money? Whom should I partner with? Whom should I hire? 

When COVID-19 hit our city and church, I was thrown for a loop. I felt stress, confusion, anger, and so many other troubling emotions. I felt like I was juggling so many sharp knives. I had been leading ICLV for over 28 years. We had 105 staff members in Vegas, staff in France, and ministry partners all around the world. I knew I was in trouble when I lost my temper twice in two weeks...I was embarrassed and confused. I needed discernment and clear direction.

Thanks to an eight-week sabbatical, great therapy, and lots of rest, I was finally able to discern my future and the steps to navigate the lockdowns and COVID-19 crisis. 

friend, do you need more discernment? I’m praying that God will help you see a clear path for yourself and others. Please take the time to pray and ask God for a gift of discernment because you are a miracle.