Did you know God’s gift of discernment is something we can ask the Lord for? You may be in a situation right now that you are not sure what to do. The world in which we live has many confusing voices that our enemy, satan, uses to lead people astray. Nehemiah lived over 2500 years ago yet faced situations where he needed discernment from the Lord.
Nehemiah Needed God’s Discernment
The Lord chose Nehemiah to rebuild the city wall of Jerusalem that had been torn down by the Babylonians over one hundred years earlier. Throughout the process of planning and rebuilding the walls Nehemiah needed God’s discernment. His enemies continually tried to discourage and plot ways to stop his progress.
One attempt to discourage Nehemiah took place with a man named Shemaiah who tried to portray himself off as a friend, but Nehemiah discerned he was an enemy.
Nehemiah 6:10 Later I went to visit Shemaiah son of Delaiah and grandson of Mehetabel, who was confined to his home. He said, “Let us meet together inside the Temple of God and bolt the doors shut. Your enemies are coming to kill you tonight.” 11 But I replied, “Should someone in my position run from danger? Should someone in my position enter the Temple to save his life? No, I won’t do it!” 12 I realized that God had not spoken to him, but that he had uttered this prophecy against me because Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him. 13 They were hoping to intimidate me and make me sin. Then they would be able to accuse and discredit me. [1]
Only the priests could enter the Temple. If Nehemiah had done what Shemaiah had requested, his reputation would have been ruined.
Asking the Lord for Spiritual Discernment
Our God is a generous God, and He loves when people pray for wisdom and discernment. The Lord knows a discerning heart is a person who is seeking after Him to do His will. James 1:5If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.[2] What does this verse tell us? God will generously give wisdom. If you need wisdom today go to the Lord in prayer with an expectant heart.
The prophet Hosea gives us additional insight into godly wisdom. Hosea 14:9 Let those who are wise understand these things. Let those with discernment listen carefully. The paths of the Lord are true and right, and righteous people live by walking in them. But in those paths sinners stumble and fall. [3] To learn more about God’s gift of discernment, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/rebuilding-unfinished-hope-personal-attacks
[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.