Divine Discernment: Navigating Opposition and Success
Summary
### Summary
Today's message focused on the importance of discernment, preparation, and divine help in fulfilling God's purpose for our lives. Drawing from Nehemiah 2, we explored how Nehemiah carefully planned the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls, keeping his plans secret until the right moment. This teaches us the value of discretion and the dangers of sharing our visions prematurely. We must be cautious about who we allow into our inner circle, as not everyone has our best interests at heart.
We also discussed the inevitability of opposition when we are on the right path. Just as Nehemiah faced ridicule and resistance from Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem, we too will encounter adversaries. However, these conflicts serve as confirmation that we are doing God's work. Our presence and progress can intimidate others, but we must remain steadfast and confident in our divine assignment.
Moreover, the message emphasized the need for divine discernment to differentiate between those who are genuinely there to help and those who seek to hinder us. Often, our enemies come disguised as friends, and it is crucial to seek God's guidance to identify them.
Finally, we were reminded that divine help is on the way. God is sending the right people and resources to support us, often from unexpected places. We must remain open, kind, and receptive to this help, as it is essential for our success. This divine assistance will lead to supernatural success, far beyond what we could achieve on our own.
### Key Takeaways
1. Discretion in Planning: In the early stages of your vision, be cautious about sharing your plans. Too many opinions can sabotage what God is building through you. Keep your circle small and filled with those who genuinely support your mission. [01:00]
2. Opposition as Confirmation: Facing resistance is often a sign that you are on the right path. Just as Nehemiah's enemies opposed him, your adversaries confirm that you are doing God's work. Embrace the conflict as a complement to your assignment. [22:18]
3. Divine Discernment: Not everyone who appears to help is genuinely there for your benefit. Seek God's guidance to discern between true helpers and hidden hindrances. Your enemies often come disguised as friends, so sharpen your spiritual discernment. [12:00]
4. Divine Help is Coming: God is sending the right people and resources to support you, often from unexpected places. Be open and receptive to this divine help, as it is crucial for your success. Your next level of success will be supernatural, backed by God's favor. [27:02]
5. Supernatural Success: The success that God is bringing will be beyond your natural abilities. He will breathe on your efforts, extending your capacity and opening doors that you couldn't open on your own. Stay faithful and expect divine favor in every area of your life. [27:51]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:00] - Discretion in Planning
[02:11] - Facing Opposition
[03:28] - Prayer for Guidance
[04:25] - Trifold Grace
[05:27] - Prophetic Announcements
[06:26] - Rapid Prosperity
[07:09] - The Right House
[08:31] - Fit for the Fight
[09:41] - Preaching as Intercession
[10:30] - Help is on the Way
[11:06] - Sharpen Your Discernment
[12:00] - Identifying Hidden Hindrances
[12:43] - No Weapon Formed Against You
[13:11] - Divine Help and Discernment
[15:45] - Building in Secret
[16:51] - Presence and Progress
[17:50] - Haters and Insecurity
[18:30] - Walking Through Open Doors
[19:54] - Insecurity and Identity
[20:35] - Knowing Who You Are
[21:25] - Assignment Attracts Warfare
[22:18] - Conflict as Confirmation
[23:03] - Standing Boldly
[23:52] - Affirmation in Accusation
[24:42] - Arrival and Intimidation
[25:20] - Keeping Plans Private
[26:21] - Unexpected Divine Help
[27:02] - Open to Divine Help
[27:51] - Supernatural Success
[29:05] - Altar Call
[31:00] - Prayer and Intercession
[32:30] - Divine Transfer
[33:40] - Affirmation and Healing
[34:20] - Breaking the Orphan Spirit
[34:59] - Fresh Wind
[36:53] - Shifting Seasons
[40:24] - Identifying the Snake
[41:48] - Cutting Off the Snake
[42:25] - Business and Creativity
[43:08] - Divine Retribution
[45:18] - Building a New Team
[45:46] - Divine Repayment
[46:32] - Keys to Success
[47:06] - Mentorship and Business
[48:42] - Daniel's Anointing
[49:27] - Kingdom and Governance
[50:10] - Strength to Stand
[50:54] - Climbing Higher
[51:22] - No More Shrinking
[52:34] - Peace Be Still
[53:37] - Healing and Restoration
[55:42] - Quantum Leap Year
[57:27] - Faith and Obedience
[59:44] - Multiple Streams of Income
[01:00:47] - Non-Profit and Business
[01:02:17] - Prophetic Word for Youth
[01:04:22] - Joseph's Story
[01:05:25] - Closing and Giving
[01:06:00] - Tithing and Offering
[01:08:05] - Principle-Driven Church
[01:09:39] - Final Blessing
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Nehemiah 2:10, 16-20 (NIV)
> "When Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite official heard about this, they were very much disturbed that someone had come to promote the welfare of the Israelites... The officials did not know where I had gone or what I was doing, because as yet I had said nothing to the Jews or the priests or nobles or officials or any others who would be doing the work. Then I said to them, 'You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace.' I also told them about the gracious hand of my God on me and what the king had said to me. They replied, 'Let us start rebuilding.' So they began this good work. But when Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite official and Geshem the Arab heard about it, they mocked and ridiculed us. 'What is this you are doing?' they asked. 'Are you rebelling against the king?' I answered them by saying, 'The God of heaven will give us success. We his servants will start rebuilding, but as for you, you have no share in Jerusalem or any claim or historic right to it.'"
2. Isaiah 55:11 (NIV)
> "So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it."
3. Philippians 1:6 (NIV)
> "Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."
### Observation Questions
1. What was Nehemiah's approach to planning the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls, and why did he keep his plans secret initially? ([01:00])
2. How did Nehemiah respond to the opposition from Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem? ([02:11])
3. According to the sermon, what is the significance of facing opposition when pursuing God's work? ([22:18])
4. What does Isaiah 55:11 say about the effectiveness of God's word, and how does this relate to the sermon’s message on divine help and success? ([06:26])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important to be cautious about who you share your plans with, especially in the early stages of a vision? ([01:00])
2. How can opposition serve as a confirmation that you are on the right path in fulfilling God's purpose? ([22:18])
3. What role does divine discernment play in identifying true helpers versus hidden hindrances in your life? ([12:00])
4. How does the promise of divine help and supernatural success encourage you to remain faithful and expectant in your endeavors? ([27:51])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you shared your plans too early and faced negative consequences. How can you apply Nehemiah's example of discretion in your current or future projects? ([01:00])
2. Think about a recent conflict or opposition you faced. How did it affect your confidence in your divine assignment? How can you view such opposition as confirmation of being on the right path? ([22:18])
3. Identify a person in your life who you initially thought was a helper but turned out to be a hindrance. How can you seek God's guidance to sharpen your discernment in future relationships? ([12:00])
4. Have you ever received help from an unexpected source? How did it impact your faith and perspective on divine assistance? How can you remain open and receptive to such help in the future? ([27:02])
5. What steps can you take to ensure that you are in the "right house" where you can grow spiritually and receive the nourishment needed for your divine assignment? ([07:09])
6. How can you prepare yourself mentally and spiritually to handle the "sifting" process, where not everyone can go where you are going? ([02:11])
7. Reflect on a current project or goal. How can you invite God's supernatural success into it, and what practical steps can you take to align your efforts with divine favor? ([27:51])
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of Discretion in Planning
When God gives you a vision, it is crucial to exercise discretion in the early stages. Nehemiah's story in Nehemiah 2 illustrates the importance of keeping plans private until the right moment. Nehemiah did not reveal his plans to rebuild Jerusalem's walls until he had carefully assessed the situation and was ready to act. This teaches us that sharing our visions prematurely can lead to unnecessary opposition and sabotage. It is essential to keep our circle small and filled with those who genuinely support our mission. By doing so, we protect the vision God has given us and allow it to develop without interference. [01:00]
Nehemiah 2:12 (ESV): "Then I arose in the night, I and a few men with me. And I told no one what my God had put into my heart to do for Jerusalem. There was no animal with me but the one on which I rode."
Reflection: Think about a vision or plan God has placed in your heart. Are there people you need to be more discreet with to protect this vision? How can you ensure that your inner circle genuinely supports your mission?
Day 2: Embracing Opposition as Confirmation
Facing resistance is often a sign that you are on the right path. Nehemiah encountered ridicule and resistance from Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem as he worked to rebuild Jerusalem's walls. This opposition served as confirmation that he was doing God's work. Similarly, when we face adversaries, it can be a sign that we are fulfilling our divine assignment. Our presence and progress can intimidate others, but we must remain steadfast and confident in our mission. Embrace the conflict as a complement to your assignment, knowing that it is a sign of your alignment with God's purpose. [22:18]
Nehemiah 2:19-20 (ESV): "But when Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite servant and Geshem the Arab heard of it, they jeered at us and despised us and said, 'What is this thing that you are doing? Are you rebelling against the king?' Then I replied to them, 'The God of heaven will make us prosper, and we his servants will arise and build, but you have no portion or right or claim in Jerusalem.'"
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you faced opposition while pursuing a goal. How did you respond? How can you view current or future opposition as confirmation that you are on the right path?
Day 3: Seeking Divine Discernment
Not everyone who appears to help is genuinely there for your benefit. Nehemiah's story teaches us the importance of seeking God's guidance to discern between true helpers and hidden hindrances. Our enemies often come disguised as friends, and it is crucial to sharpen our spiritual discernment to identify them. By seeking divine discernment, we can navigate our relationships wisely and ensure that we are surrounded by those who genuinely support our mission. This discernment is essential for protecting the vision God has given us and for making wise decisions. [12:00]
Proverbs 2:3-5 (ESV): "Yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God."
Reflection: Think about your current relationships. Are there individuals who may not have your best interests at heart? How can you seek God's guidance to discern true helpers from hidden hindrances?
Day 4: Being Open to Divine Help
God is sending the right people and resources to support you, often from unexpected places. Nehemiah received help from King Artaxerxes, who provided him with the resources needed to rebuild Jerusalem's walls. This divine assistance was crucial for Nehemiah's success. Similarly, we must remain open, kind, and receptive to the help God sends our way. This help may come from unexpected sources, but it is essential for our success. By being open to divine help, we position ourselves to receive the support and resources needed to fulfill our divine assignment. [27:02]
Isaiah 41:10 (ESV): "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you have been resistant to accepting help? How can you be more open to the divine help that God is sending your way?
Day 5: Expecting Supernatural Success
The success that God is bringing will be beyond your natural abilities. Nehemiah's success in rebuilding Jerusalem's walls was not just due to his efforts but also because of God's favor. God will breathe on your efforts, extending your capacity and opening doors that you couldn't open on your own. Stay faithful and expect divine favor in every area of your life. This supernatural success will be a testament to God's power and faithfulness, far beyond what you could achieve on your own. [27:51]
Ephesians 3:20 (ESV): "Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to trust God for supernatural success? How can you position yourself to receive and recognize God's favor in these areas?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "You need to be careful in the infancy of your preparation and your planning. Everybody cannot have a seat at the table when you are building something out. Too many opinions and too many individuals at the wrong table at the wrong time can sabotage what you are building. Look at someone and say, be very careful." (19 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "As you are rising, as you are building, as God is blessing you, there will be individuals who try to intervene or try to come into your life to take credit for what God is doing. This is where you tell them this next season of my life is by invitation only. By invitation only. Not somebody can say by invitation only. Everybody can go where you're getting ready to go and you must be okay with it. Hear me, you must prepare your soul to be okay with the sifting." (29 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "This is why you got to come with expectation and faith that God is going to speak directly to you. And that there is a tailor-made message that has been crafted under the unction of the Holy Spirit to push you further into purpose and out of stagnation, out of aggravation, out of complacency. Hear me. I stand today as an oracle of God." (24 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The word is about to cause you to prosper. Did you hear what I said? This word is about. This word is about to cause you to prosper. Here is your line. Rapidly, quickly, and mightily. This word is about to cause you to prosper rapidly, quickly, and mightily." (20 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Help is on the way. Help. See, you might be sitting next to the wrong person because they didn't respond appropriately. But you better hear me. The Spirit of the Lord told me to tell you that help is on the way. Help. Help. Real help. Authentic help is on the way. You might be sitting across from someone who's going to help you get to the next level. I'm here to declare to you, help is on the way. Divine help. Strong help. Resourceful help. Anointed help. Gifted help. I'm here to preach to you that help is on the way." (44 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "I must readily admit and come clean in the infancy of this message. Hey, Susan, say that I do not have a traditional Father's Day message. What I'm getting ready to share with you, you will see what you've heard. You're getting ready to see it. If not, somebody will tell them you're getting ready to see it. Come on, tell them you're getting ready to see it." (24 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "I stand in the gap between you and the enemy that opposes you. And I preach you into a place of decision and deliverance. So if you don't want to be decided and if you don't want to be delivered, this ain't going to be the place for you. Because every Sunday, I'm going to look you in your face. And preach you into. To a place of decision. Because the future is for the decided. And deliverance is only for the hungry. So if you don't want your future, if you don't want to be delivered, you're going to be uncomfortable. Because every Sunday, I'm going to challenge you for more." (29 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Your assignment attracts warfare. Your assignment attracts warfare. you can't just shout and dance and do all this in church and not expect for the enemy to respond or to retaliate. When you are on your P's and Q's, you can expect warfare. And this is how you know you're on the right track. And this is how you know you're doing the right thing. If you could put it on the screen for me, the complement of your assignment is the conflict of your assignment. The complement of your assignment is in the conflict of your assignment. If there was no conflict, there would be no confirmation that I was doing the right thing." (43 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Your affirmation is in the accusation. If you read Nehemiah chapter number two, the scripture says, the scripture says, I bet they heard. First time I tell you. How did the Horned Knight and Tobiah the Ammonite official heard of my arrival? See, your arrival puts people on edge. You haven't even started doing anything. But because your name is attached to it, they're afraid. Because your name is connected to it, they're upset. Because your name is connected to it, they're intimidated. Your arrival puts them on notice." (34 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "You're about to get the help you need the places and people you least expect. You're about to get the help you need the places and from the people you least expect. Here's why you've got to be open to divine help that's coming your way. Because where you think the help is coming from, it's not coming from them. You have some people in mind. You have a preferred list of individuals that you would desire to help you. The Lord told me to tell you to rip up that list because they're not coming that way." (32 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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