Learning to Discern in a Loud World
Some truths don’t need a paragraph to hit your spirit—sometimes all it takes is a simple reminder:
Test. Hold fast. Reject.
That’s the rhythm of discernment God calls every believer into. But if we’re honest, most of us were never taught how to actually do that. We were just told, “Use wisdom,” but no one handed us the blueprint.
This sunrise moment captured in the picture says what many of us feel: a new day requires new discernment. A new season requires new filters. The world is getting louder, but the Spirit is still whispering—if we learn to listen.
Let’s break it down.
1. TEST — Examine, Weigh, Compare
Everything that feels good isn’t God.
Everything that sounds spiritual isn’t Scripture.
And every opportunity isn’t obedience.
Testing simply means pausing long enough to ask:
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Does this align with the Word?
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Does this lead me closer to God or farther from Him?
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Does this produce the fruit of the Spirit or the fruit of my flesh?
Discernment isn’t suspicion. It’s alignment.
It’s the willingness to weigh what’s presented against what God already said.
And the truth is—most of the battles we lost were because we skipped this step.
2. HOLD FAST — Keep What Aligns With God
When you finally recognize what’s from God, cling to it like your life depends on it—because spiritually, it does.
Hold fast to:
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His peace, even when chaos surrounds you
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His truth, even when emotions fight back
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His correction, even when it stings
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His promises, even when your situation mocks them
What God gives you, sustain.
What God teaches you, practice.
What God reveals to you, protect.
Some of us aren’t lacking answers—we’re lacking discipline to hold on to the answers God already gave.
3. REJECT — Let Go of What Doesn’t Match the Word
Rejection in the Kingdom isn’t rude—it’s righteous.
You are allowed to reject:
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thoughts that don’t reflect God’s heart
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habits that weaken your spirit
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relationships that dim your calling
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opportunities that compromise your integrity
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advice that contradicts Scripture
Holiness isn’t about perfection—it’s about making choices that protect your relationship with God.
And sometimes the most spiritual thing you can say is: “No, that’s not for me.”
Discernment Is Protection
God isn’t trying to make your life difficult—He’s trying to guard your destiny.
Discernment is His gift to keep you from repeating cycles you prayed your way out of.
And the more you grow, the more you’ll realize:
Spiritual maturity is less about how much you shout on Sunday and more about how well you filter your life Monday through Saturday.
This Message Is the Heart of Running from the Sower
This whole pattern—test, hold fast, reject—is woven through the pages of my book Running from the Sower.
Every chapter is a lesson in discernment.
Every story shows how God was teaching me to stop reacting and start discerning.
If you’ve ever struggled with knowing what’s God, what’s you, and what’s distraction, this journey is for you.
📘 Paperback, Kindle, and Audible available now
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