So Saul said, “I will give her (Michal) to him (David) that she may be a snare to him, and that the hand of the Philistines may be against him.” (1 Samuel 18:21)

Often, we fail to see the spiritual implications behind something that naturally seems good. If we are not well trained to see past what looks good, we may also be sent a snare perfectly packaged to derail us, delay us, or even take us completely down from the assignments God has entrusted to us.

Every heart and calling has an assigned enemy constantly planning our demise. It is why discernment is necessary and it must be a supernatural knowing from the heart of God. Often what your natural eyes see does not tell the true story.

In my walk with Christ over the past several years, this is an area He has been teaching me. I’ve learned the lesson in hard ways. The beauty of hard lessons is you’ll never forget them.

The constant check in my spirit when one is speaking what seems innocent will let me know there is another spirit behind the façade. Remember what the Bible says about flattering lips.

For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery, they deceive the hearts of the naive. (Romans 16:18)

Listen, many come in the name of the Lord that has not been sent by Him. Some want a foot in the door of your heart and ministry. Some are looking for a platform from you. Jezebel is notorious for her buttery words as she aims her goal to a leadership takedown. If she sees a prophet at work, she will work quickly and quite politely to have them removed.

We must become a people who understand the term “angel of light.” The enemy will not come in a way that you read in storybooks. He will do whatever is best to deceive your heart. He will use people you admire and respect if that’s what it takes to get your focus off your calling. You, and I, must learn to sift everything offered and given to us.

Let me also say this. Remember the enemy offered Christ the kingdoms of the world. So do not be deceived that all success comes from the Lord. The enemy knows how to keep a counterfeit church or ministry running. He knows how to “bless” financially, give the appearance of God’s hand on a life, etc.

He is a master at setting snares.

Here is the definition of a snare”

1. Trap
2. Something deceptively attractive
3. Something by which one is entangled, involved in difficulties, or impeded
4. To capture by or as if by use of a snare
5. To win or attain by artful or skillful maneuvers

When something is placed before you, take it to the Holy Spirit quickly. Weigh it carefully. Not everything is sent to you by the Lord.

Make sure the gift is not a hidden snare of the enemy meant to harm you and that which Christ is doing in your life.