Let me say from the beginning, I am not very good at discernment. Even when I know what God wants, expects and called me to do, my timing is usually off. I could be doing the right thing and for the noblest of intentions, and still get it wrong. God reminds me at those times that, “My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways” (Isaiah 55:8).

God knows our inner intentions. He knows what we are thinking, our motivations and desires. The Lord is pleased when we make a request to Him for discernment. Solomon said, “Give your servant a discerning heart to judge your people and to distinguish right from wrong.” God then told him, “Because you have asked for this – not for a long life for yourself, nor for riches, nor for the life of your enemies, but for understanding so that you may know what is right - I do as you have requested” (1 Kings 3:9-12).

So, it is imperative before you begin the process of discernment that you lift up your heart’s desire to God in prayer. When you, “commit your works to the Lord, your plans will succeed” (Proverbs 16:3). God will then place in your life people who will guide you. Like the Prophet Job, He will also allow others to discourage you and try to cause you to despair. God loves you and will use this time of discernment to see if you have truly placed your plans at the foot of the Cross of His Son. He wants to see if you will demonstrate your faithfulness to the Gospel. So, expect your thoughts and intentions to be tested in the Divine furnace. Being tried in the fire will bring your impurities to the surface, so that when you are ready to serve at a later time, you will be prepared to meet the challenges God places before you.

The Bible says, “For lack of guidance a people falls; security lies in many counselors” (Proverbs 11: 14). When seeking the advise of a fellow Christian, you should look for one who has the scars of spiritual warfare and not an armchair quarterback. As a follow of Christ, they should offer humble words which reflect “walking in your shoes” and not simply from theological books or humanistic philosophy.

All of the prophets, saints and sages venerated by the church throughout the ages have undergone times of discernment and spiritual trial. Their faithful witness gives us courage to carry on even when the world has deemed us to be foolish. While it is helpful to quote from the saints and their collective wisdom and experience, it is always important to consult the Master Himself, Who is Jesus. “What Would Jesus Do?” is a popular expression among various Christians. This is a very legitimate question to ask especially since Jesus, the Son of God possesses “words of eternal life” (John 6:67).

Discernment means to refrain from decision-making for the moment and acquire life-changing information for the future. It is a spiritual fact-finding mission. It is a time to be still and listen to God and not interpret any events during this time as approval or disapproval from Him.

At railroad crossings we are asked to stop, look and listen. Failure to do so could result in becoming a sad statistic. Discernment allows you to proceed cautiously over the tracks by equipping you with the tools to make fully informed choices. The decisions that you make at this moment will determine your place in eternity.

Choosing the path of discernment takes patience on your part and understanding for those around you. As you wait on the Lord seeking His direction, bless every person involved with this process, even those who express opinions contrary to yours. Pray for them and place them into God’s care.

Don’t discuss your plans with everybody you meet, but only those who share godly and biblical perspectives with you. While God speaks to us in the Church and through the scripture, He also has a special and unique relationship with each of us. Keep your heart and mind open to possible solutions and paths that others suggest beside the one that you think is right.

The Bible says, “Do not be hasty in your utterance and let not your heart be quick to make a promise in God’s presence. God is in heaven and you are on earth; therefore let your words be few” (Ecclesiastes 5:1). Being too quick in making a decision can bring unexpected consequences. Let time test your ideas.

Spending time in quiet prayer, scripture reading and meditation should be an integral part of your day. Keeping a daily journal of your thoughts is also an excellent way to review your spiritual progress. Prayer will keep you connected to the life-giving grace of the Holy Spirit. Simple words uttered in faith have the power to open the eyes of the heart and soul. The study of God’s Word will equip you with a sharp sword that will divide the light from the darkness. The Psalmist David refers to scripture as, “a lamp to my feet and a light to my paths” (Psalm 119:105).

Reception of the Sacraments will bring a renewed clarity to your mind as you stand on your crossroad. By receiving the Body and Blood of Christ in communion, you have Him dwelling within you! The moments after reception can be spent in intimate conversation with Him. Each time you go to confession, you are opening up the airways to the soul so that the Holy Spirit may guide your thoughts and actions. Asking your pastor for special prayers and anointing will help open up the channels of grace needed for clearer thinking.

Once a decision has been made, do not be afraid to change it; additional time may be needed for discernment. If you acted hastily upon your decision, admit that you have made a mistake in judgment which and may not have be in accordance with God’s will. Acknowledging your sin and “turning around” (metanoia) in humility is pleasing in the Lord’s sight. If the bridge that you crossed over has been washed away because of your turbulent choices, rebuilding it may take time, patience, and the regaining of trust by others around you. Nobody is perfect.

I hope that my words have not raised more questions about discernment, but maybe more questions are actually needed during this time. I only know that God desires our happiness and salvation; everything happens for a reason; whenever I act without Divine approbation, my plans will fail. God is outside of time, but everything is in His time. He is the source of all goodness and harmony, so I must be dependant solely on Him. When I co-operate with the Divine, I become fully human.

Remember, Jesus said that the kingdom of God lies within you! (Luke 17:21) God is only a thought away. He promises to be with you every step of the discernment process. He will be there in the heights of our joys and in the depths of your anguish, when you laugh and when you cry, when you feel close to God and when you feel abandoned by Him, when you gain acceptance by others and when you are disowned by the ones you love the most.

God will be present with you when you have reached your decision. Place it before the heavenly Throne in prayer and then put yourself at His disposal to serve wherever and whenever He desires. He will then position you in the place where you are needed the most.

© - 2006
Raymond J. Mastroberte
1/13/06