I believe it is dangerous to embark in Muslim ministry
without the ability to discern spirits or if we are not able to hear the voice
of the Holy Spirit. Spiritual discernment is given to us to warn us of
deception, dangers, and impurity. Discernment can protect us from being trapped
in something which would turn problematic or binding. Satan tries to deceive us
by certain people who come over as angels of light with sweet smooth words but
who, in reality, have an agenda of working against the Truth found in Jesus
Christ. We learn slowly because we are often naïve and guileless when it comes
to dishonesty and evil. We are not on a cultural exchange program but engaged
in a spiritual battle for truth and holiness in the heavenly realms.
Discernment helps us to know who is genuine and who is
a deceiver. There have been a few women in my life whom I should have discerned
earlier that they were either spying on me or wanting information about my
contacts. Some I initially thought were seeking and open but in reality were
strong zealous defenders of Islam. They were on an Islamic missionary
mission. We have been fooled by a few
people claiming to become Christians only to discover there is another agenda
in their minds. I’ll never forget the day a certain influential man was
baptized. The whole congregation was on a spiritual high. But he was not
genuine. He had even fooled the believer from Muslim background who came from
his people group and baptized him.
Discernment helps to awaken us to danger. It was hard
for me to believe that a certain teenage guy was really dangerous. One
day the police phoned to warn me about this fellow. Slowly I began to
understand that I had to wake up to potential danger and harm. Eventually the
fellow was arrested and put in jail. There have been others who are sexual
predators or mentally ill. One night I had a strong premonition type of dream
of a certain guy to stay away from him and his family. No longer do I just
think these are dreams to ignore. God gives discernment in our dreams,
too. In some cases I have acted slowly
while in other situations I have acted immediately because discernment is loud
and clear.
Discernment helps us to catch the purity or evil of
certain situations quickly before we are trapped. One time I was with a group
of conservative Muslim women. Belly
dancing is a common past time for them. But suddenly I was pulled from my seat
and asked to pretend I was a man and dance with them like that. Instantly I
knew lewdness was about to be unleashed and I refused. Sometimes we get caught
in situations where they engage in occultic arts. We can be so ignorant of
those things we didn’t grow up with. Discernment from the Spirit whispers or
shouts to us, “Be careful. Don’t get involved. Leave.” Discernment keeps us going in ministry a long
time and saves us much grief.
Dear heavenly Father, please give me more discernment.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
