[tweetthis]Experience is often a harsh taskmaster. Wisdom is so much easier on the soul…[/tweetthis]

One of my spiritual dads used to say that. I think I listen more to it, appreciate it more now that I have been around the mountain a time or two on a few things.

Too many decide to “tough it out” rather than seeking God or those that may have “been there”.

Add a little discernment and you have a recipe for success.

Someone asked me “what does that look like?” So I am going to drop a few keys in here.

Inquire of the Lord
Proverbs 2:6 tells us “For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding;” James 1:5 “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” He has probably already given you the answer!

Find the right people
Proverbs 15:22 “Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.” Proverbs 11:14 “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” Too many put people to the side. “Being independent” is popular but also has the tendency to be dangerous. Job 32:7 “I thought age should speak, And increased years should teach wisdom. But it is a spirit in man, And the breath of the Almighty gives them understanding.…” Find people of the Spirit with strong track records and good character.

Age has value
There are many who choose the “tough it” out method when Godly men and women are all about them. Many fathers and mothers with love, compassion and grace. 1Kings 12:6 “Then King Rehoboam took counsel with the old men, who had stood before Solomon his father while he was yet alive, saying, “How do you advise me to answer this people?””

Look to a child
Sometimes the simple faith filled solution to a problem is your answer. Proverbs 8:22 “Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger.” Some of the greatest answers have come from a child who was “just talking”.

Discernment
What is God saying? Who is He saying it through? I am reminded of Shimei’s cursing of David in 2 Kings 12. David lets Him continue. Abishai and other servants desire to kill Shimei, but David says “no”. Worth the read. Sometimes the answer you want is not the answer of God.

Even as you look up at the list you see that answers could come from a child, a grownup, a brother or sister. That is correct. To some answers appeared in dreams,visions, through angels, donkeys and more.

[tweetthis]To not pursue God can not only bring bondage but even death.[/tweetthis]

It is not about hearing from God, as much as it is determining what He is already saying to you. But I know one thing about God He is faithful in getting His point across. And I trust in that faithfulness. I trust Him to supply, to meet my needs and cover my bases.

Who you get information from is less important than how you allow it to enter your life and empower it to move. The greatest wisdom from God can be shut by “no”. The simplest nugget of truth can change a nation, properly discerned.

Everyone wants to hear God. But what are you doing with what you have already heard? Have you tested it? Examined it?

Avoiding a taskmaster experience is easier than perceived. Deciding to do so not so easily pursued.

Recipes for success are not a formula or an equation. They are often simply being people of the Spirit. Using the gifts and discernment He has already given that you might have life and life abundant.