“The LORD called Samuel a third time, and Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, ‘Here I am; you called me.’ Then Eli realized that the LORD was calling the boy.”
— 1 Samuel 3:8 NIV
I remember the sad expression on his face that day. He was pitifully sad, abandoned, and lonely. Daniel (a pseudonym for privacy) had invested a large sum of money in an online Ponzi scheme, and it had come crashing down. What pained him most was that this wasn’t his first financial loss. Time and again, he had fallen for similar scams in his quest to make money.
As I sat with him, I could sense the deep sorrow eating away at his heart. His eyes carried anger, regret, and confusion. “If only I knew,” he said softly, blaming everyone else — even his wife. Like Adam in the Garden, Daniel shifted responsibility, believing someone else had caused his misfortune.
His story is not unique. Many believers today live in regret over choices — wrong relationships, business ventures, or career paths. Yet, it is not God’s intention for His children to live in confusion or regret. We were created to live under divine direction and to walk in spiritual discernment.
God’s Desire to Guide His Children
Jesus said,
“But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all truth.”
— John 16:13 NIV
God has already made provision for our daily guidance through the Holy Spirit. The wisdom of God can never mislead us — yet many Christians still struggle to discern His will. Why?
Because, like Joshua deceived by the Gibeonites (Joshua 9), or even Samuel nearly anointing Eliab instead of David, we are all spiritually vulnerable when we lean on our senses instead of waiting on God.
The Danger of Hurry and the Spirit of the Age
We live in a generation that prizes speed. High-speed internet, fast food, instant results. But spiritual discernment cannot be rushed. Impatience is one of the subtle weapons of deception in the end times.
Jesus warned His followers,
“Watch out that no one deceives you.” — Matthew 24:4 NIV
And He also said,
“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”
— John 10:27 NIV
These words contain the secret to discernment:
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Listening to God’s voice
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Being known by Him
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Following Him faithfully
Let’s look deeper at these three keys.
1. Listening to God
We hear God in His Word, through dreams like Joseph, a still small voice like Elijah heard, or gentle promptings in our hearts. The ways of God are limitless — but His voice always carries peace, inner witness, and agreement with Scripture.
God will never instruct you to act contrary to His Word. He cannot tell you to cheat, steal, or lie — that would violate His own nature.
Listening takes time. It’s different from simply hearing. You recognize the voices of your spouse, your children, or your closest friends because you’ve spent time with them. The same is true with God — the more we commune with Him, the more we recognize His voice.
2. Being Known by God
Jesus said, “I know them.” For God to identify you as His own, your life must reflect His righteousness.
Paul wrote,
“Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: ‘The Lord knows those who are his,’ and, ‘Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.’”
— 2 Timothy 2:19 NIV
Holiness deepens intimacy with God. It draws us nearer to Him and sharpens our spiritual perception. Isaiah cried, “Woe is me!” when he saw God’s holiness (Isaiah 6:5). Likewise, holiness refines our spiritual senses to perceive God clearly.
3. Following God
Jesus ended His statement in John 10:27 with “…and they follow Me.” To follow Jesus is to imitate His life — a life of obedience, prayer, and intimacy with the Father.
As we walk in His footsteps daily, we grow in discernment. We begin to think, act, and decide like Christ. This journey is lifelong — a gradual process of spiritual maturity and alignment with God’s will.
A Call to Deeper Discernment
Spiritual discernment is not a gift reserved for a few; it’s a call for every believer. God wants us to make decisions guided by His Spirit, not by emotions or human reasoning.
If you’ve ever made painful mistakes like Daniel, take heart — God still speaks. His voice is not far from you. Begin today by quieting your heart, studying His Word, and cultivating intimacy through prayer.
As you do, you’ll grow in the ability to hear, know, and follow Him daily.
