Guidance of the Holy Spirit

 How can you perceive the thoughts of God?

I once drove a young man to church every Sunday. The teenager was immature, unstable and unpredictable. It took all the patience I could muster to help him.

One fine Sunday morning, I was driving him to church when he suddenly lashed out without warning and hit the dashboard hard with his fist. Without even a second's hesitation, I ordered the devil to leave.

Was the young man offended? Not at all. Peace and quiet immediately prevailed.

I have never reacted in this way in similar situations. This was not my usual approach and had no time to consider the situation.

This was the spiritual gift of discernment of spirits. God moved my spirit immediately. My thoughts were not involved. I only analysed the situation afterwards.

For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, and to another the word of knowledge according to the same Spirit;

to another faith by the same Spirit, and to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit,

and to another the effecting of miracles, and to another prophecy, and to another the distinguishing of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, and to another the interpretation of tongues. 1 Cor 12:8–10 NASB95

Many people zealously try to detect false prophecies or fake tongues, but we must also be even more eager to know when gifts are genuine.

Pursue love, yet desire earnestly spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. 1 Cor 14:1 NASB95

The discernment of spirits often works quite differently.

I was in a house group. A very religious man pretended to worship God with over dramatic gestures. He looked really ridiculous and I was irritated. I told the religious spirit to stop his comedy, but only in my head, without saying a word out loud.

The theatrical performance stopped immediately. The man looked confused and scratched his head.

“Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing will injure you. Lk 10:19 NASB95

Of course discernment of spirits also involves perceiving the presence and activity of the Holy Spirit. This is even more important than perceiving demonic activity.

It is so important to know which people to trust and when to distrust people.

There are apparently highly gifted preachers who will lead you astray. On the other hand, God can connect you to people who will be open to the gospel or who will help you on your way. 

When Samuel had to choose a king to replace Saul, God showed him that the young boy David was the chosen one.

Choosing a church to join involves spiritual discernment, how to let God show you where to go and who to trust. 

The Bible is our map book but the Holy Spirit is our guide. We need truth but also God’s direct personal guidance.