discerning through cirumstances
God has always been at work in the world, and if we have eyes to see, we will recognize it. There is a picture of discernment that runs through the Old testament and the New Testament. The analogy is about having eyes to see, and ears to hear. Jesus used this language about his parables.
“This is why I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand”
Jesus was borrowing an image that already existed in the OT. Spiritual things need spiritual eyes and ears, and Jesus parables are just one setting in which we need the eyes and ears of discernment.
God taught Jeremiah to see the everyday things of life, and to notice when God wanted to speak through simple things.
“And the word of the LORD came to me, saying, “Jeremiah, what do you see?” And I said, “I see an almond branch.”
The word of the LORD came to me a second time, saying, “What do you see?” And I said, “I see a boiling pot, facing away from the north.””
Were these visions? Were these things sitting right in front of him to which the Lord gave Jeremiah a spark of attention?
The point is, Jeremiah was asked to pay attention to what he could see, and out of seeing he could open his ears to hear God’s word for Israel. Seeing led to hearing.
Situational Awareness
If we have eyes to see, we will recognize a spark of attention in ordinary things. And in that moment, we can listen for the voice of the shepherd.
Conversations
1 Peter 3:15
Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.
Have you sensed the Spirit leading you while giving a reason for the hope you have?
Conflict
Matthew 5:38
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ If anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles.
Have you ever sensed the Holy Spirit asking you to de-escalating conflict? Do you see sacrifice as a moment for God to speak?
Circumstances
Read the story of Balaam in Numbers 22:23-33
God spoke through a donkey, which was needed because Balaam failed to discern the unusual circumstances. These circumstances were created intentionally by the Lord. Why do you thing Balaam missed this?
What can this teach us about paying attention to circumstances.
Convergence
Convergence happens when God takes two or more people or circumstances, and creates a new opportunity. Cornelius had a vision from God, and was told to send some men to bring Simon to his house. Simon also had a vision from God.
Acts 10:17-20 describes the moment of convergence.
Now while Peter was inwardly perplexed as to what the vision that he had seen might mean, behold, the men who were sent by Cornelius, having made inquiry for Simon's house, stood at the gate . . . And while Peter was pondering the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Behold, three men are looking for you. Rise and go down and accompany them without hesitation, for I have sent them.”
Some might be tempted to call this situation a coincidence, but coincidence fails to account for God’s sovereign work. It fails to account for the Holy Spirit saying, “I have sent them.”
