DISCERNING OF SPIRITS
Discerning of spirits is the ability to differentiate between human, holy, and evil spirits.
As with every gift, revelation comes as the Holy Spirit wills. He gives the discernment.Most of us enjoy telling the story of Elijah and Elisha. Elijah sees the army of God while Elisha only sees the army of man. How empowering that story is, and how exciting it is when God opens Elisha's eyes.
Nonetheless, those with the gift of discerning of spirits often encounter suspicion or rejection from other believers.
Man has a propensity to lean on his own reasoning. Believers are no exception to this rule. We tend to validate that which is true from our own experience, instead of the Word of God.
The Word of God is clear from Genesis to Revelation on the fact of demonic presence in the earth. We need to beware lest we walk in unbelief. Satan blinds the eyes of the unbelieving! i
Following are a few examples of my experiences when God given discernment over-ruled my thinking.
Example 1 – Discerning the human spirit
During a ministry time, a woman coming forward for prayer appeared very apprehensive. From outward indications, she seemed to have serious problems. It looked like she would crawl up the wall to get away from me if she could!
- What I discerned was quite the opposite. I was impressed with a purity of spirit that I had not previously perceived. Her apprehension was due to a recent negative experience in personal ministry. This discernment enabled me to dismiss accusations that came against her shortly thereafter. She became an integral part of our ministry.
Example 2 – Discerning the Holy Spirit
Unusual manifestations - A group of teenagers came forward in response to an altar call. The presence of God was strong. Their physical response was markedly different from others. Some may have found their actions offensive. Although I had never seen such manifestations before, my discernment was that it was indeed the Holy Spirit.
- Over the next few days, I inquired into the matter. To my surprise, I found that God was indeed pouring out on young and old in surprising and deep ways.
Example 3 - Supernatural manifestations
Something was directly in front of me! I was walking in the woods. My usual meditative way is to look down as I walk. I have no idea what drew my attention. Had I not stopped I may very well have ended up on the ground!
- A presence was before me, covering a large section of the path. I sensed power, great power! My discernment — it was not an angel, not a demon, but the Holy Spirit. The manifestation lasted only a few minutes and then was gone.
- What was the purpose? A prophet counseled me that God often prepares a vessel in this way. He clarifies from whom and where the power comes. This discourages any attempts at the ownership of God's glory.
Example 4 – Discerning a demonic spirit
It was the last altar call, ending a conference at which I was a speaker. It was also a very specific altar call.
The Lord told me that He was present as deliverer.
A woman came forward, small and neatly dressed, standing very rigid. I saw a large demonic entity standing over her with its arms crossed. It appeared superimposed over her body. It stood like Mr. Clean from the cleanser commercial, but it was anything but clean!
- Pure Love delivered her. I spoke to her of God’s love for her and explained that when I hugged her that spirit would leave. When I felt it was time, I embraced her and the demonic hold was broken. She raised her hands shouting for joy, thanking Jesus she was free! The Deliverer had come and we all rejoiced with her.
As believers, we have everything available to us by the indwelling Holy Spirit. There are, however, individual gifts He dispenses for the benefit of the entire body.ii
The gift of discerning of spirits, though perhaps not as easily accepted, is nonetheless valid and important.
As you journey the unseen, do not fail to receive the grace of God through others. It may make all the difference between victory and defeat with unseen forces!
* To learn more about walking and living in the Spirit go to https://www.midwayministries.com/
Categories: Discernment
Tags: spiritual direction thinking spiritually
Thanks Barb..i so need to study more of this.
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