FOCUS.
- Oct 1, 2018
- 3 min read
Discernment is the ability to judge well or have a clear perception of spiritual direction and understanding.
It's a skill that helps one to understand who to associate or spend time with. It's an aspect of spirituality that I've used in the past, but I've struggled with for many years. My ability to discern has always been there, but I chose to ignore it in several situations over and over again. Most of the times, it a gut feeling or insight, other times its a bad feeling with clear signs. All in all, it's important. It is a spiritual tool from the man upstairs that helps each and every one of us to stay on the right path. It prevents distractions and the urge to indulge in activities or hang around people that will possibly drain all of your energy.
Now I'm not the type of person that remembers scripture word for word, but I've always been really good at telling stories. So here's a story about the time of of God's children used his discernment against some of his haters:
Nehemiah, was a cupbearer. He served wine to the king, which means he was trusted enough to have a high position in royalty. He also took the initiative to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, which had been broken down and destroyed by fire. He had been receiving threatening messages from some of his haters who didn't like the fact that he was in the position to build the wall. In the messages, they asked to meet up with him. He realized that his enemies were plotting against him and trying to harm him, so he replied back to their messages saying: "I am engaged in a great work, so I can't come. Why should I stop working and meet with you?" It was at this moment that Nehemiah used his discernment to see past what people were saying and doing. He understood that it was a trick.
His haters sent the same message 4 times! Imagine someone sending you the same text messages back to back 4 TIMES. It's aggravating, trust me, I've experienced it lol. But Nehemiah responded back each time, giving the same reply: "I'm busy yo. What in the world makes you think I'm going to stop working just so I can meet up with you? We literally have nothing to talk about." [Side note: That's probably how I would've responded. HAHA.] Then his haters even went so far to start rumors about him saying that he was building the wall to start a rebellion and planning to be the king of the Jews. Meanwhile, none of this was true. They were just trying to get inside his head to intimidate him. They were seeking to discourage him and get him off his grind. Sounds familiar doesn’t it?
NEVERTHELESS, Nehemiah continued to work with even greater determination and perseverance! He ignored their rumors and pushed through to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem. He didn't run when he was faced with danger or when others talked about him. Nehemiah had a strong calling on his life. When God blesses you with a gift, a calling, or a purpose, no man or woman can say anything against what your creator has called you to do. Some people will sell you dreams and tell you what "they heard God say", but in reality they work for the enemy. This is why discernment is so important. It lets us know when to focus and when not to get caught up in what others are doing. Yes, when others hear about your business plans, life goals or schools goals, of course they're going to doubt you. They may become frightened and humiliated because your purpose sounds or looks different from yours. But you have to realize that the work God gave you is for you, and it can only be done with the help of God. People will send distractions your way and say things about you to other people that aren't true, but just keep on working.
Here are a few pointers we all can learn from Nehemiah:
Do not get distracted, finish the race.
Do not be intimidated by the haters and they naysayers.
Do not follow the crowd or fall down the wrong path….FOCUS.
People cannot and will not be able to discredit or accuse you.
Continue to build and rebuild yourself everyday.
God has a beautiful way of turning our curses into our blessings. Focus on your gift that God blessed you with. Your past mistakes are not your future. Continue to trust in him.
-BLEU MOON.
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