It’s often hard to discern some things when you’re desperate to get somewhere too quickly. After a recent experience I think it would be good to share a practical teaching that has many spiritual implications to the body of Christ.

 

The enemy knows when we are too zealous for calling and lack patience to wait on God. In such a place is a weakness the devil can then use. I have been in this place, again and again.

 

Even within the body are those with personal agendas. They come to you with words of encouragement and offer you a “leg up.” However, when you strip away the facade, their motive is self-serving.

 

For years I fell prey to this because as a dreamer I was trying hard to get to the dream in me. I had not yet learned how to wait on God. I was also very naive to hearts that weren’t altogether pure in motive.

 

Many people exist solely on the backs of other people’s dreams. In the music arena this is, unfortunately, a common issue. Have you any idea how much money, time, and heartache I spent to find out their motives were, often, impure?

 

Bunches.

 

Over time I had been used and abused so much that I no longer trusted anyone. In some ways that was good because I had to learn God was my navigator, not man. It is also what He used to teach me never to operate in the same way. I would need to be a different kind of leader.

 

Eventually, discernment (and experience) grew deeper in me and when He pulled out my prophetic gift, I was able to discern better any spirits at work, who even with good intentions, seemed to need me more than I needed them. This caused many, many heart pains. Lots of wounding. Yet, great lessons I would never forget.

 

The human heart is deceptive and wicked, who can know it? (Holy Ghost can!)

 

Being rooted in the Spirit of God through Christ and basking in Him daily has helped me “see” more clearly the unseen webs and snares being set for me by the enemy.

 

I learned who I was and who I wasn’t. You need to do the same.

 

It was amazing how many times people would offer me this or that but once I agreed I found myself placed on shelves as a mere trophy on a wall instead of a servant put to work with what Christ had put in me. In most of these places, I stayed wayyyy too long. My recovery time from each space took longer than it should have because I was so confused and hurt. In all honestly, I had not yet learned to “call things what they were.”

 

There came a day when Jesus said no man was to own me or His gifts in me. Jesus, alone, is my Master.

 

It must be the same for you my friends.

 

If you’ll seek Jesus with all of your heart and obey in the little things, you’ll run right into your calling. He must be the one to order your steps. Be so careful of those who are telling you to follow them even if it’s not in those exact words. You’ll find yourself nothing more than a puppet on a string.

 

We need discernment. The times I’ve discerned something not quite right have been very subtle. Actions speak louder than words. Remember that! Often what someone says with their lips won’t match up with what they actually end up doing. In that, will be a treasure of knowledge that keeps you safe from harm.

 

In every stream of Christendom are people who want to use you and your gifts to get THEM where they want to be. Those who authentically want to help you will have motives that don’t ask you for something in return. Watch for the old bait and switch whereby you’ll discern some inward contract someone is trying to get you to agree with. However, in my experience you may not see it for a while so be slow to yoke up, slow to share your heart, and slow to give over the reins of what God has entrusted to you to any man, (or woman.)

 

Pay attention to the little things. If you have a check in your Spirit do not dismiss it. If you do, it could be costly.

 

If you’re a leader of any kind study the book of Nehemiah. His example of leadership is one of true Christ-like intent. Honestly caring for the people while calling out those with unclean motives and sending them down the road. He was bold and courageous yet humble and kind.

 

Protect what Jesus has given you, friends.

 

In this dark hour you must pay attention.