Then I sent a message to him saying, “Nothing like these things that you are saying has been done, but you are inventing them in your own mind.” For all of them were trying to frighten us, thinking, “They will become discouraged with the work and it will not be done.” But now, God, strengthen my hands. Nehemiah 6:8-9, NASB

As Nehemiah worked to rebuild the wall, he faced many obstacles. Three such obstacles were Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem. They plotted to harm Nehemiah and stop the rebuilding of the wall. They sent false messages to Nehemiah and tried to pull him away from his work to meet with them so they could carry out their destructive plans. Each time, Nehemiah discerned that the message and messenger were not of God.

It is important to learn to discern the voice of God and godly counsel versus worldly advice full of selfish motives and destructive criticism.

To do this, you can ask yourself the following questions:

• Is there unresolved sin in my life preventing me from hearing the voice of God?
• Is the advice biblical?
• Is their motive or yours glorifying God or self-gratifying?

The world will try to stop you in any way possible from glorifying God. This is why we must learn to discern.

Remember: God encourages; Satan discourages. God gives you strength; the world will drain you. God sets dreams in your heart; evil sets doubt in your mind. God promises to protect you; the enemy will try to fill you with fear. And God will NEVER tell you to sin.

Let us ask the Lord to give us His great wisdom and let us thank Him for always gently leading us in His ways.

Copyright Kathy Branzell.

Kathy has a heart for encouraging Christian educators and currently serves as the President of the National Day of Prayer Task Force. Prior to this role, she was the founder and president of Fellowship and Christian Encouragement (FACE) for Educators.