As we returned from the trip that day, we began to notice a foul smell. At first, we thought it was coming from some wet surfaces. After a few days, the smell persisted and even intensified. The air freshener didn’t help until the rat was removed. This incident taught me some valuable lessons about discernment.
Friend, you need discernment. There are some things you won’t see with your naked eye, but you will perceive them with your spirit-man. The difference between a natural man and a spiritual man is the ability to discern (1 Corinthians 2:14-15).
Discernment is not suspicion. Suspicion is a function of the physical senses. Discernment is purely a spiritual matter (Isaiah 11:3). Natural people walk with suspicion, while kingdom people walk with discernment. Don’t judge by appearances.
You need the revelation of the Holy Spirit. The devil thrives in anonymity (Genesis 3:1). Spiritual people have learned to unmask the devil (2 Corinthians 11:14). The devil does not only appear in black and red clothes with big horns. He also appears in suits and ties, and with the latest mobile phone.
Demons can sit comfortably inside an AC-tight office in a city as well as under an old iroko tree in a village. It is ignorant to think there aren’t many demons in Western countries compared to Africa (2 Corinthians 2:11). If you don’t expose and expel the devil, he will join you without you knowing (Acts 16:16-18).
It takes the right environment to expose and expel the devil (Acts 28:1-3). The atmosphere of light (God’s word) exposes the devil, while the atmosphere of fire (God’s Spirit and His operations) expels him (John 1:5, Acts 28:3-5). Arm yourself with these two forces, and you will live perpetually in victory.
‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria