“How do I know if I’m doing the “will” of God.” “How do I know if something is true?” “How do I know if that’s really God’s voice.” The questions come, one right after another for us as we journey with God. Ultimately, these questions all deal with discernment. We know discernment is important. We generally know that being able to discern is a really good thing. The question becomes, “how do we actually become discerning people?”
Discernment starts with Intimacy
Discernment starts with intimacy. Out of our intimacy with God we begin to understand who He is and who we are. His love fills us with hope. Hope is the expectation of good which is rooted in the very character of God. God is love – love will always bring about good, therefore I can expect good.
This leads us to grow in faith. Faith is simply the readiness to act as if the goodness presupposed in hope is real and reliable. Faith proves hope true which reinforces Love. It is with faith we are able to step forward in obedience to God. Faith acts and steps forward in a way that proves God’s hope filled promises.
Crowned with humility
When we step in faith out of obedience, God crowns us with humility. Humility is given, not manufactured. That is because obedience leads us to fully rely upon God’s power and God’s power alone. Unconditional obedience requires us to set aside our own will and take up the will of God. It is in when we live out of a life of surrendered power, that God, in his grace, crowns us with humility.
It is impossible for those who have not first lived obedience to obtain humility; for everyone who has learned an art on his own fancies himself…
Blessed are the pure in heart…
When crowned with humility, our eyes (and ears) are purified. The Christian life is self-denial – it is the only way to holiness. “Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God.” When we walk as God’s beloved, laying down our will, and stepping forth in obedience, our whole being becomes pervaded by love (union with God), and we are able to see clearly.
It is the purity of heart borne out of obedience rooted in faith, hope, and love that bears the fruit of discernment. For when our hearts are pure, there is little opportunity for the Enemy to lead us astray. We see clearly.
For more on discerning the voice of God click here:
https://ottsonmission.com/how-do-i-know-thats-gods-voice/: How We Become Discerning
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