In the journey of faith, believers often find themselves navigating through a maze of divine callings, spiritual movements, and, at times, unsettling inner convictions. One of the most overlooked aspects of spiritual life is the ability to discern the signs and movements of the Holy Spirit. It’s easy to assume that faith alone is enough to shield us from harm. But the truth is, faith is not a passive force. It requires active participation, keen sensitivity, and a willingness to obey the subtle nudges of the Spirit.
Consider the story of a believer who, while preparing to travel, experienced a sudden loss of peace as he sat in a bus at a transport station. This was no ordinary discomfort—it was a spiritual warning, an inner signal that something was not right. Despite the inconvenience of returning the ticket, the believer’s obedience saved his life. The very bus he was supposed to board was later involved in a fatal accident. The only things that survived in the wreckage were the bread loaves that passengers had brought along.
It is often said that we must listen to the still small voice of the Holy Spirit, but how many of us are truly attuned to these divine signals? In our fast-paced world, filled with distractions and noise, it’s easy to miss the gentle whisper of God warning us of imminent danger. This story serves as a stark reminder: you can be a believer and still meet a tragic end if you fail to discern the movements of God’s Spirit in your life.
The incident that happened to Apostle Arome Osayi and he refused to board the raises important questions about the nature of spiritual discernment. It’s not enough to merely call ourselves believers; we must cultivate the ability to hear and respond to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. In the Holy Bible, Jesus rebukes the Pharisees for their inability to read the signs of the times, calling them hypocrites for not discerning what God was doing. This message is as relevant today as it was then. A believer who cannot discern spiritual movements is likened to a watchman who falls asleep at his post. The consequences, as seen in this tragic story, can be disastrous.
Spiritual discernment is not just about avoiding physical danger. It’s about living a life that is sensitive to God’s presence and direction. The Holy Spirit speaks in various ways—through a sense of peace or unrest, through a word of prophecy, or through a quiet prompting that calls us to act. But if we are not vigilant, we can miss these signs and veer off course.
Many believers live their lives on autopilot, going through the motions of prayer, worship, and service, but without truly engaging with the Holy Spirit. They may have faith, but they lack the intimacy and discernment that allows them to recognize the Spirit’s promptings. This spiritual numbness can lead to situations where, despite being faithful, they find themselves in peril or facing unnecessary trials.
The Holy Bible is full of examples where the ability to discern God’s will made the difference between life and death. From the Israelites being led by the cloud of God’s presence in the desert to Paul’s warnings about impending dangers on his missionary journeys, we see that God is constantly communicating with His people. But it is up to the believers to tune in and respond.
So how can believers cultivate spiritual discernment? First, it begins with a deep relationship with the Holy Spirit. Prayer, worship, and meditation on the Word of God create an atmosphere where we can hear His voice more clearly. Second, it requires an openness to God’s will, even when it doesn’t align with our own plans. The believer who is willing to yield to God’s leading, even when it means taking a different route or making a hard decision, is one who walks in the Spirit’s power.
The story of the bus and the tragedy it avoided is a powerful reminder that spiritual awareness is crucial. It’s not enough to simply go through the motions of faith. We must be awake to the movements of the Spirit, discerning the signs, the warnings, and the guidance He provides. Believers who ignore this divine sensitivity risk more than just missing out on God’s blessings—they put their very lives in jeopardy.
In the end, faith without discernment is incomplete. To live as victorious Christians, we must become more than just followers; we must become those who hear, understand, and obey the voice of the Holy Spirit. We must be watchful, not just for our own safety, but for the leading of God’s Spirit in all areas of life. If we do not, we may find ourselves on the wrong path, heading toward a danger we could have avoided if only we had listened to the signs and the Spirit’s prompting.
In this world of spiritual warfare and deception, the believer who cannot discern the Spirit is at great risk. Yet, the one who is tuned into God’s voice, who remains vigilant and obedient, will find themselves guided safely, even in the most dangerous of circumstances. May we all strive to be those who walk in the Spirit, discerning God’s will, and walking in the safety of His divine protection.
– Inah Boniface Ocholi writes from Ayah – Igalamela/Odolu LGA, Kogi state.
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