Have you ever felt like something was wrong, but you couldn’t quite put your finger on what it was that might be wrong?
Call it a gut feeling, women’s intuition, or a sixth sense. You know something isn’t right.
You could call it discernment. The small voice of the Holy Spirit letting you know there’s an issue needing your attention. The spiritual gift of discernment is mentioned multiple times in scripture.
Over the last year, my husband and I felt like something was wrong at our church. I couldn’t put a name to what was wrong, but I felt unsettled. It felt like there was discord amongst the members, a lack of communication, straying from the Word of God, and yet, there wasn’t anything specific to point out to support any of those claims. It was “just” a feeling I had.
I considered resigning as the women’s ministry leader. My husband did not want to attend services anymore. I started researching other churches in our local area. I engaged my prayer partners to start praying over the situation.
I felt like a fraud that I was continuing to serve in a ministry leadership role and praying about leaving the church. While I was concerned about the situation, through prayer I had zero peace about resigning or leaving the church. I did not hear God telling me that we were supposed to leave.
During our first week of the state’s “Stay-at-Home” order in March, our Pastor resigned. The story of why he resigned is one for him or his family to share. However, the few details I received began to make sense as to why there was a feeling of unsettlement at our church.
By no means am I saying that the Pastor’s reasons for resigning were the reason for my dissatisfaction at the church. What I am saying, is that the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart for months and let me know that “something” was not right. It also made sense why I hadn’t gotten a clear message that the feeling of unsettlement was worthy of leaving the church.
Essentially, I was being prepared for there to be some turmoil and chaos at our church. The Holy Spirit was talking in my ear allowing me to discern that something was amiss, while also not allowing me release to leave the situation.
John 16:13 (ESV) states, “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.”
Call it your gut, your female intuition, or your 6th sense. I’m going to call it discernment.
And to me, the gift of discernment is the gift of truth.
I pray you have a truth-filled week of discernment.
~Emily
Iron Porch 
Thank you for sharing. I, too, felt something was amiss last Fall. Why was there discord in the body of our Church? I was also disconnecting, I no longer felt God’s presence at Church or in my life. God showed up and reminded me that He hadn’t left me. Everything that had happened finally made sense when the news of our Pastor’s resignation was released.
I am thankful to have you as a part of the Ministry at our church.
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Nancy, you are too kind and I appreciate the words of encouragement. I’m glad I’m not alone in the feelings of unrest last year and then the feelings of release now. I’m thankful that you and Bill are continuing to serve at our church! Hugs, Emily
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Amen. The gift of discernment is the gift of truth. 🙂
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Wise words for sure. There have been many times I’ve sensed “a change a comin’.” I couldn’t always tell how or when, things never transpired until the time was right or until the Holy Spirit has prepared me to see it. There are so many lessons to be learned, some painful, some joyful. Thank you for reminding me to be sensitive to the call. Like Samuel in the night, we are often listening to the voice of God, our Soul and our hearts are pricked and readied. Discernment guides us toward His vision and our purpose.
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If only we all just listened to the small still voice….
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