Sometimes when we hear about the prophetic, we are tempted to think abstractly. Discernment, actually, is about as practical as it gets. Allow me to share a bit of my understanding.

Here are the two most important takeaways that apply to discernment:

1. God always speaks in love and kindness.
2. Our answer to what is discernment will probably be a little different than somebody else’s. That’s the way God intended it.

Let me explain from a few personal experiences.

I talk a lot about how journaling with God has revolutionized my life. Generally, journaling is asking God questions and listening for his answers. My confidence in my ability to discern and hear his voice has surged in large part because when I share thoughts from my journal with mature believers who have strong walks with the Lord, they typically confirm that what I shared is consistent with the nature and truths of our Father. This illustration lines up with something our director, Ben Armstrong, says regularly: “If you can’t get a word for yourself, you shouldn’t be getting words for other people.” If you’re wondering about your ability to hear God for yourself, basically, if the words you are getting line up with 1 Cor. 12-14, it’s likely that you are hearing God’s voice better than you think.

Ever since I started school at the Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry, people have regularly approached me about my gift of uncanny timing. Over and over again, I’d just “happen” to text them or approach them at the perfect time. At first, I just brushed it off or thought it coincidental. Eventually I realized that that, my friends, is prophetic discernment in action in me, and it can be in you too. There’s no such thing as coincidence. How else would I have had perfect timing repeatedly, if not for Holy Spirit? If your gift manifests like that, pay attention. Don’t ignore those nudges as random thoughts.

Similar to the topic of divine timing with people, God’s also given me a gift to see people who might tend to get overlooked. Maybe it’s connected to my experience dealing with physical and emotional pain from a disability. The point is: God has equipped and positioned you to reach people because of your unique makeup. Who do you see, and how do you see them? Do you notice consistent themes or patterns, like you naturally gravitate toward certain people or places? My guess is that those are indicators of discernment because God intends for you to be a Kingdom influencer in these areas.

Thank you for reading! I bless you to be sons and daughters of Issachar – to “understand the times and know the best course . . . ”

By Sam Miller