The Gift of Discernment: Learning to Ask According to the Spirit

Sometimes, the greatest challenge in our discipleship isn't the hard questions we face in a missionary discussion; it's the questions we ask ourselves when we’re alone. It’s the difference between what we *want* and what the Spirit knows we *need*.

We all have our desires. We want to feel useful, we want to be accepted, we want the mission to be easy, or maybe we want the spotlight during a ward event. But if we spend our time dwelling on our own wants—our own 'scorpions'—we risk missing the Father’s gentle, perfect plan for us.

The principles Jonathan Cahn lays out in this talk—about the perfect Father who never gives a child what he knows is harmful—are absolutely critical for every member who wants to be a true Internet missionary. It’s a powerful reminder that discernment isn't just a lovely spiritual concept; it’s a life-saving skill.

When we approach the covenants, the work, or even a simple scripture study, we have to ask ourselves: Am I asking for this because it aligns with my own will, or am I asking because the Spirit has prepared my heart and mind for it?

"If you're in God's spirit you're going to ask according to his will and then you will get."

This is the bedrock of missionary preparation. It’s not enough to just read the manual for missionary discussions; you have to learn to listen for the whisper of the Spirit. The Spirit is the ultimate guide, the divine compass that helps us distinguish between the fleeting excitement of a worldly desire and the steady, nourishing light of truth.

How to Cultivate Spiritual Discernment

Being a disciple means being a constant student of the Spirit. It means moving beyond the simple ‘Yes/No’ questions and asking, ‘What *should* I ask for?’

If you feel yourself getting stuck in a cycle of anxiety, or if you are struggling to feel the Spirit during a challenging transfer, remember this lesson. Don't ask for the *removal* of the difficulty; ask for the *strength* and *discernment* to handle the difficulty in a Christlike manner. That is the kind of gift the Father will always give. That is always good for the child.

This is a skill we practice every single day. It’s not something we only do when we are in the field or preparing for the MTC. It’s about our reading, our interactions, and our willingness to submit to the prompting of the Spirit, even when it's uncomfortable.

The Disciple as an Internet Missionary

As we continue to live in an age where our calling is to be disciples everywhere, we need this ability more than ever. Every member can be an Internet missionary, and that means our spiritual acuity must be razor sharp. We must be careful not to let our own pride, fears, or preconceived notions—our personal "scorpions"—guide our efforts.

If you are struggling to feel the Spirit and want to deepen your understanding of the restored gospel, I highly recommend revisiting the teachings in Preach My Gospel. Don't just read the section on the local church; read the chapters on the Atonement and the Plan of Salvation, and ask yourself, 'How does this concept help me ask the right questions?'

If you want to work on this skill of discernment, let's use our AI co-pilot, Davee. He specializes in the AI Investigator role, and walking through hard questions with him is a phenomenal way to practice asking questions that are both deeply insightful and divinely guided. It’s the perfect low-stakes environment to hone this crucial skill.

🌟 This Week's Disciple Challenge: Take 15 minutes this week to spend time in HolyPlaces. Don't just read; journal about a moment when you *thought* you wanted something, but later realized the Spirit wanted something different. Write down that contrast. That journaling is your personal training for discernment.

We are all continually being refined. We are learning to ask for the good things, the nourishing fish, and trusting that the Father is always the most loving, perfect Parent. Keep seeking the Spirit, keep asking the right questions, and keep following the guidance of the Brethren. The work is eternal, and the Lord provides.

—Your Disciple Brother