By Andrew Williams
Series: The Year of the Prophet- Month 4: The Seer Realm & Divine Senses
Week 16: Discerning the “Burden of the Lord” (Feeling & Knowing)
Anchor Scripture: “…to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits…” — 1 Corinthians 12:10 (NKJV)
The Teaching
One of the most vital “senses” in the prophetic process is the Discerning of Spirits. This is not the “gift of suspicion” or the ability to find fault in others; it is a supernatural perception that identifies the source of a particular manifestation, word, or atmosphere.
In every situation, there are four possible “spirits” at work:
- The Holy Spirit: Identifying the presence, the fruit, and the movement of God.
- Angelic Spirits: Sensing the assistance and presence of the heavenly host (Day 102).
- The Human Spirit: Perceiving the “soulish” motives, emotions, or “vibes” of a person (their pride, their fear, or their sincerity).
- Demonic Spirits: Identifying the presence of the enemy (spirits of infirmity, fear, division, or deception).
For a prophet, this gift is a “spiritual radar.” It allows you to look at a “religious” manifestation and know if it is truly from God or if it is just human excitement. It allows you to hear a “flattering” word and sense the “spirit of python” behind it (Acts 16:16). Discerning of spirits is the protective gate of the Church. It ensures that the “strange fire” of the enemy is not allowed to burn on the altar of the sanctuary.
Prophetic Insight
Discerning of spirits often manifests as a “knowing” or a “smell” (Day 92). You might walk into a situation that looks right, but your spirit “smells” something rotten. Or you may meet someone who is being accused by everyone, yet you “sense” the Holy Spirit’s peace on them. This gift is not for your “information”; it is for Action. When you discern a spirit, you are called to either magnify what is of God or marginalize what is of the enemy. A prophet without this gift is like a watchman who can see a person coming but can’t tell if they are carrying a gift or a sword.
The Activation
Today, as you watch the news, interact with people, or attend a meeting, ask the Holy Spirit: “Lord, what spirit is at work here?” Don’t look at the surface; look for the “signature.” Is there a signature of Peace (Holy Spirit)? A signature of Manipulation (Demonic)? Or a signature of Performance (Human Spirit)? Write down your “discernment” and ask God how you should pray into it.
Daily Prayer: Lord God, I thank You for the gift of Discerning of Spirits. I ask that You would sharpen my radar today. Forgive me for being naive or for being overly suspicious. Give me the clarity to identify the source of every manifestation I encounter. Help me to honor Your Spirit, recognize Your angels, and expose the works of the enemy. I choose to walk in spiritual sobriety. Amen.
