Nevertheless, we made our prayers to our God, and because of them, we set a watch against them day and night. Nehemiah 4:9

 

It would do us well to grow in wisdom. The discerning of spirits will be such a critical spiritual gift in this season. You will need the mind of God.

 

I really hate to break your heart with the truth that not everyone is sent to applaud you. Some are sent to distract the work God has called you to. Some are sent to even divide from within and destroy you and your relationships.

 

You, and I, must come into a real understanding of spiritual warfare.

 

While there are spirits (demons) actively at work, please understand they will come also wrapped in flesh.

 

Does God love everyone and desire a relationship with them? Of course. Yet, if I am unwise, then those whom the devil has been able to use will get me in my “goodness.”

 

If I’m unable to call things what they are, then I’ll be overrun by deception and allow all manners of antics to call me down from the wall I’m called to build.

 

A counselor told me once something I’ve used to this day. If you want to see if there is a hidden motive in any request, say “No.” If anger shows itself, then you have your answer.

 

You will have to get good at setting boundaries. Not everyone needs full access to your life. In some seasons, you’ll need to deny others who used to have access to it any further. Perhaps again there was a motive not in your best interest.

 

Beware of giving the authority entrusted to you by God to anyone else.

 

I can’t count the times in my past when I allowed authority over me that God, Himself, had to later remove because it derailed what I was called to do.

 

You’ll have to set your guard both day and night, like Nehemiah. Be diligent on watch against the work of the enemy, and no longer be haphazard with your life and assignments.

 

You have a duty to the King who called you to keep building the wall. There will be times you must refuse to come down for unnecessary conversations, distracting detours, and manipulative maneuvers.

 

We need a wealth of wisdom in the coming days.

 

You best get good at giving your “No!”

 

Be kind, but be firm. If it’s not acceptable to someone, that’s a great warning sign of a potential problem. Don’t be forced into a “Yes.” You have authority over your life with Jesus.

 

To Him be true…