Chapter 4: The Enemy’s Strategy—Distraction Through Difficulty

Each day we wake is a gift from God, another opportunity to rejoice and give thanks. Today, we continue exploring a vital question: Why does the enemy work so hard to keep us focused on our circumstances, trials, and tests?

As believers—whether seasoned or new in faith—we must recognize the enemy’s intent: to lead us away from our faith in God. He does this by overwhelming us with fear, loneliness, and doubt, especially when we dwell on the negative aspects of our challenges instead of trusting in God’s promises.

Satan is a master deceiver. The Bible reminds us, “There is nothing new under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 1:9). He has used the same tactics for generations. Like a coach repeating an old football play, the enemy keeps running the same spiritual schemes—but only those unaware or unguarded fall for them.

Scripture says, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8, NKJV). Satan is not omnipresent like God. He moves to and fro, using his forces to scout out believers who are spiritually asleep and vulnerable.

Testing and trials reveal the strength of our faith. Can the enemy cause you to waver? Will you stand, or will you fall? His goal is simple: to get you to fixate on the problem rather than the promise.

The word circumstances refers to conditions or facts related to an event, often including our financial or material state. If you’re under financial pressure today, the enemy wants to use that situation to overwhelm you and draw your focus away from God.

But don’t fall into the trap. Open your Bible. James 1:2–3 says, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.” The enemy doesn’t want you reading this. He wants you stressed, anxious, and isolated—cut off from God and His people.

Yet when we remember that God promised never to leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5), we are encouraged to remain in His presence. If we stay with Him during our toughest moments, praising Him in the storm, our faith is strengthened, and our patience grows.

Why praise God during a crisis? Because praise lifts your thoughts from fear to faith. It shifts your focus from the problem to the Problem-Solver. As you praise, you cast down imaginations and arguments that exalt themselves against the knowledge of God (2 Corinthians 10:5).

The enemy constantly seeks to exalt himself—even in your thoughts. If he can get you to obsess over your trial, he distracts you from hearing God’s voice. But when your mind is stayed on God, you are in a position to hear Him clearly and be led by His Spirit.

Yes, your faith will be tested. Satan will try to shake you, to see what you’re made of. Will you buckle under pressure or stand firm and lift your voice in praise?

James 1:3 reminds us that “the testing of your faith produces patience.” Patience isn’t passive—it’s the active trust that God is working, even if the situation doesn’t change overnight.

Stay with God. He will never leave you or forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:6), but we must be careful not to walk away from Him. That’s the trap. The enemy wants you to abandon God, isolate yourself from His people, and walk away from the Word. Why? Because isolation makes you easy prey.

Consider the animal kingdom. Predators seek out the isolated, the weak, the distracted. If Satan can convince you to pull away from God’s Word and His people, you become a vulnerable target.

One of Satan’s most effective tools is fear. Fear is a distressing emotion caused by real or perceived danger. Whether the threat is genuine or imagined, fear can paralyze you. And if you’re walking in fear, you’re not walking in faith.

James 1:8 tells us, “A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways.” If the enemy can create instability in your mind, he can gain a foothold in your life. You can’t walk in fear and faith at the same time. They cannot coexist.

You’ve probably heard fear defined as “False Evidence Appearing Real.” But let’s be honest—some of the challenges you face are very real. Your trials aren’t imaginary. Yet the Word of God is also real—and more powerful.

Luke 10:19 says, “Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy.” You have power. You have authority. But the enemy doesn’t want you to know it. He wants you to feel helpless, hopeless, and ready to give up.

Don’t let him win. You are more than a conqueror (Romans 8:37). No matter what you’re facing today, don’t walk away from God. Hebrews 4:16 invites us to “come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

If your circumstances feel overwhelming, lift your hands and worship. Turn on praise music. Fill your space with God’s presence. Think on things above—things that are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8).

As you do this, God will begin to reveal answers. He will give clarity. You may not see it yet, but He already has a solution. Remember: “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17).

Keep reading, keep singing, keep believing. Hope will come. Revelation will come. Direction will come. God is not silent. He speaks—and He will speak to you.

Closing Word:
Don’t allow your circumstances to become your focus. Lift your eyes. Praise God. Stay in His Word. He will never leave you—and He will guide you through every trial.

Key Takeaways:

• The enemy’s goal is to distract you with circumstances so you lose focus on God.

• Trials are tests of faith designed to produce patience, not fear.

• Praise shifts your mind from the problem to the presence of God.

• Fear and faith cannot coexist—choose faith and reject fear.

• Stay connected to God’s Word and His people to avoid isolation.

• God has already given you authority and guidance—seek Him to receive it.

From The Daily Word with Pastor KBN: Circumstances, Trials & Tests (Part 4), Mar 28, 2025
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-daily-word-with-pastor-kbn/id1800872165?i=1000701199835&r=606
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Chapter 3: Distractions of the Enemy—Refocusing Through Faith

When life seems overwhelming and your faith is being tested, remember: the enemy’s greatest weapon is distraction. Circumstances are his tool—but your focus determines your victory.

God is good, and He’s worthy to be praised. Let’s begin in prayer:

Father, forgive me of any sin. Use my voice for Your glory. Let the hearers be edified. We declare it in Jesus’ name. Amen.

In Chapter 2, we posed a powerful question: Why does the enemy want you to focus so hard on your circumstances, trials, and tests?

Let’s flip that. If you were the enemy, what would you do to hinder believers? How would you discourage them and throw them off course?

Satan wants your focus misaligned because when you’re consumed by trials, it’s easier for him to sow fear, doubt, and unbelief. Every believer faces challenges. None are exempt. These trials are not signs of failure—they’re signs of your faith being active.

Let’s define focus: to pay close attention, to direct one’s attention toward a specific point. The enemy understands that focus is a powerful tool. If he can steal your focus from God’s promises and shift it to your problems, he can break your spiritual momentum.

Consider Peter walking on water in Matthew 14:28–30. He didn’t fail; he stepped out of the boat—that’s supernatural faith. But once the wind blew and waves crashed, his eyes shifted from Jesus to the storm. That’s when he began to sink.

The enemy’s goal? Break your focus.

If Peter had kept his eyes on Jesus, the supernatural might have become contagious. The others might have followed. The enemy can’t allow that, so he brings distractions to make you second-guess your faith.

You too have stepped out in faith—believing for healing, financial breakthrough, restoration. When the wind of trials comes, the goal isn’t just to shake you—it’s to stop others from seeing your victory and becoming inspired.

Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2), is your response to every attack. Not the storm. Not the bank account. Not the diagnosis.

Let’s define circumstance: a fact or condition relevant to an event or action. Circumstances are real. But they are not permanent.

Maybe you’re facing a financial challenge. The enemy wants you paralyzed by worry: What am I going to do? How will I make it? That worry breeds doubt.

The Word says: Cast down imaginations and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God (2 Corinthians 10:5). The battle begins in the mind.

Now, let’s talk about tests. A test measures effectiveness, proves validity, or demonstrates truth. Your trials aren’t just attacks—they’re proving grounds. Do you believe God or not? Do you trust Him only when it’s easy?

James 4:7 says, Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Tests aren’t here to break you. They’re here to build endurance and demonstrate the strength of your faith.

Imagine if Peter had made it all the way to Jesus without sinking. That entire boat may have emptied, with the rest stepping into the miraculous. Likewise, your victory can spark faith in others.

Revelation 12:11 says, They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony. What is the him? Your test. Your trial. Your circumstance. When you overcome, it’s a testimony.

Luke 10:19 reminds us, Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. You have authority! Don’t let the enemy convince you otherwise.

Your circumstances are real, yes. But they’re not greater than the God who empowers you.

If Peter had taken authority over the storm and refused to look away, he would have walked all the way. So must we: Keep your eyes on Jesus. The winds will blow. The waves will rise. But the Word remains.

James 1:8 says, A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways. The enemy wants you double-minded—tossed between faith and fear. Why? Because double-mindedness disqualifies you from receiving the full blessing of God.

Don’t let him win.

Conclusion
When you focus on God and not the storm, you remain steady. Keep walking in faith—your victory may be the breakthrough someone else needs to see.

Key Takeaways

• The enemy targets your focus to break your faith. Stay alert.

• Trials and tests are opportunities to prove God’s faithfulness.

• Focus means keeping your attention fixed on Christ, not your problems.

• Your testimony of victory encourages others to walk in faith.

• You have authority over the enemy—use it.

• A steady mind anchored in the Word qualifies you for God’s promises.

From The Daily Word with Pastor KBN: Circumstances, Trials & Tests (Part 3), Mar 27, 2025
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-daily-word-with-pastor-kbn/id1800872165?i=1000701016272&r=535
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Chapter 2: The Strategy of Distraction – How the Enemy Uses Circumstances to Weaken Your Faith

In this chapter, we explore the enemy’s tactics of using distractions, negative emotions, and isolation to weaken your faith and pull you away from God. Understanding these strategies can help you remain spiritually alert, grounded in truth, and anchored in the God-kind of faith.

Well, Daily Word Family, we are people of the God-kind of faith—come on, let’s praise Him! We’re continuing our series titled Circumstances, Trials & Tests, and this is part two. There are many parts to come, but today we’re diving deeper into one critical question: Why does the enemy work so hard to get you focused on your circumstances, trials, and tests?

The answer is simple yet profound. Satan wants your focus on the wrong things so he can sow seeds of doubt, fear, and discouragement. When you’re overwhelmed and fixated on your problems, you’re more likely to question God’s goodness and step away from your faith. But we declare today that God is good, and His plan is perfect!

Let’s begin with prayer:

Father, we ask forgiveness of our sins. We lift our voices to glorify Your name. Let the words shared today edify every listener and build their faith in Jesus’ name. Amen.

The Distraction Strategy: DFG – Distracted From God

We introduced a key concept last time: DFG – Distracted From God. The enemy’s goal is simple: distract you from God and from Jesus.

In Matthew 14:29-30, Peter walked on water toward Jesus. But when he focused on the wind and waves, he became afraid and began to sink. His fear overwhelmed his faith. That’s what Satan wants—to draw your focus away from Christ and toward your situation.

Fear, the “big F word,” begins when faith falters. And when your faith weakens, the enemy gets a foothold.

We declared a song: “We Are the God-Kind of Faith!” That means we speak to mountains, and they move (Mark 11:22-23). But when you are distracted, your faith loses strength. As James 1:8 says, “A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways.” When you dwell on your challenges instead of relying on God, your foundation becomes shaky.

Emotional Manipulation: The Enemy’s Tool

Satan doesn’t just use distractions—he exploits negative emotions like anxiety, frustration, and despair to manipulate your thoughts and actions.

Here’s how these emotions work against you:

1. Negative Emotions Can Lead to Sin
   When you’re overwhelmed, you may act from selfish desires, hurting others and drifting away from God’s will.

2. They Warp Your Sense of Right and Wrong
   Emotions can twist your moral compass. The enemy convinces you that wrong is right, leading you away from God’s truth. As 1 Corinthians 10:23 reminds us, “All things are lawful, but not all things are helpful.”

3. They Produce Undesired Results
   God desires peace, order, and righteousness. But out-of-control emotions can cause actions that go against His will.

The Danger of Isolation

One of the enemy’s most effective tactics is isolation.

When you focus only on your problems, you may begin to withdraw—from your church, your community, and even from God. But isolation makes you vulnerable.

Like predators in the wild, Satan and his forces look for the one who is separated from the group. In 1 Peter 5:7-8, we are reminded:

“Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”

That’s what happens when you disconnect. You remove yourself from support—worship, fellowship, and encouragement. But God calls us to “not forsake the assembling of ourselves together” (Hebrews 10:25), because in unity there is strength, protection, and spiritual covering.

When you isolate, you miss the very word, the very breakthrough, the very encouragement God might send through others. Don’t let the enemy scatter you!

Cast Your Cares

1 Peter 5:7 says it clearly: “Cast all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.”

To “cast” means to throw with force, to get it away from you. When you cast your cares, you don’t pick them back up. You give them to God—once and for all.

So why do we keep picking them up again? Because we’re not sober or vigilant. That’s why Peter warns us to be alert and watchful, knowing the enemy is always looking for an opening.

Stay Alert—Don’t Become Prey

The enemy is as a roaring lion—not a lion, but acting like one. He imitates the true Lion of Judah. Don’t be fooled. Don’t become prey. Don’t let yourself be distracted, disheartened, or disillusioned.

Walk in the God-kind of faith. Stay connected. Stay grounded. Stay vigilant.

Conclusion

The enemy uses distraction, negative emotion, and isolation to weaken your faith. But when you remain focused on God, your faith stands firm, and your victory is certain.

Key Takeaways

• DFG – Distracted From God is the enemy’s main strategy to weaken your faith.

• Negative emotions can lead to sin, confusion, and spiritual instability.

• Isolation makes you vulnerable to spiritual attack—stay connected to God and His people.

• Casting your cares means throwing your worries completely onto God—don’t take them back.

• Be sober and vigilant to resist the devil and recognize his tactics.

• Stay in the Word and in fellowship—your breakthrough often comes through the body of Christ.

Let your heart be steady in faith. Don’t be distracted—stay focused on the One who calms the storm.

Closing Thought:
Stay rooted in faith, not distracted by fear. Cast your cares on God, stay connected, and resist the enemy’s plan to isolate and devour you.

From The Daily Word with Pastor KBN: Circumstances Trial & Tests (Part 2), Mar 26, 2025
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-daily-word-with-pastor-kbn/id1800872165?i=1000700866647&r=635
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Chapter 1

The Enemy’s Tactic: Distraction from God

In our walk with God, the enemy often targets our attention. When we fixate on our problems, we lose sight of God’s promises. The devil’s strategy is simple: distraction. But if we stay focused on Jesus, we can walk in faith through any storm.

We thank God today for another opportunity to share His Word. To our faithful Daily Word family around the world, welcome! We’re truly grateful to come before you, and we bless the Lord for His grace and mercy.

Father, we come to You in gratitude. We ask for forgiveness of our sins and pray that Your Word today blesses every listener. Let it encourage and strengthen the hearts of those who hear it. In Jesus’ name, amen.

We’re excited to begin a brand-new teaching series titled “Circumstances, Trials, & Tests.” A vital question we must explore is this: Why does the enemy want you so focused on your circumstances, trials, and tests?

The answer is strategy. Satan, our adversary, desires to sow seeds of doubt, fear, and discouragement by overwhelming your mind with negative realities. His goal is to shift your focus away from God and onto your problems.

The Power of DFG – Distraction From God

Distraction is the enemy’s number one play. If he can get you to DFG—Distract From God—he can weaken your faith, rob your peace, and cause you to neglect the very things that fuel your spiritual strength: prayer, worship, and time in the Word.

By focusing on your challenges, you lose sight of your connection to the Father. You neglect worship. You neglect your praise. You drift from God’s presence. And the moment your focus shifts, the enemy gains ground.

Let’s look at a powerful example in Matthew 14:29-30 (KJV):

“And He said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.”

Peter had his eyes on Jesus. He stepped out of the boat in faith and walked on water. But then came the distraction—wind, waves, and fear. The moment Peter shifted his focus from Jesus to the storm, he began to sink. That’s DFG in action—Distraction From God. Or more specifically here, DFJ—Distraction From Jesus.

Before we criticize Peter’s lack of faith, let’s give credit where it’s due—Peter actually walked on water. When was the last time you tried that? His faith was active until distraction took over.

And yet, even in the sinking, Jesus saved him. This shows us that even when we fall, God is still near.

When Faith Wavers

The enemy wants to shake your faith. He wants you to question God’s promises. James 1:8 (KJV) tells us:

“A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.”

Satan’s goal is to create instability—shaky ground beneath your feet. When your mind flips between fear and faith, the result is spiritual confusion. God doesn’t want lukewarm believers. Revelation 3:16 (KJV) warns:

“So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.”

God wants you to be grounded—confident in Him even when everything around you is shaking.

Walking on Water in Today’s World

You may not be standing on a literal ocean, but many of you are walking through stormy waters right now. Bills are overdue, relationships are strained, health is failing, or doors seem closed. The waves are high, and the wind is loud.

But the message is the same: Keep your eyes on Jesus.

Don’t allow yourself to DFG. Don’t lose focus. Worship anyway. Pray anyway. Put on that praise music and sing your heart out—even in the storm.

Hebrews 12:2 (KJV) encourages us:

“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith…”

When we fix our eyes on Jesus, we find peace. Even if the storm doesn’t end immediately, your soul can be still.

Exploiting Your Emotions

Here’s another tactic of the enemy: emotional manipulation. When you DFJ, the devil exploits your emotions—anxiety, frustration, despair. He uses them to distort your thinking and influence your actions.

He’ll send the AFD attack:

• Anxiety

• Frustration

• Despair

Followed by Manipulation. All of this stems from one move: taking your eyes off God.

Stay Focused

This is why we’re launching this teaching series. Circumstances, trials, and tests will come—but how you handle them will determine whether you sink or stand.

So, Daily Word family, stay anchored. Don’t DFG. Don’t DFJ. Stay in worship. Stay in prayer. Keep feeding your spirit with the Word. If the devil wants your focus, it must mean that your focus has power.

We believe this series will bless you, empower you, and help you walk on water. Speak to your mountain and watch it move. You carry the God kind of faith within you.

Conclusion

Stay anchored in faith—no matter what storm you face, keep your eyes on Jesus. He’s still the One who saves when we start to sink.

Takeaways

• Don’t DFG (Distract From God): The enemy wins when you focus more on the problem than the Provider.

• Focus fuels faith: Keeping your eyes on Jesus builds strength, clarity, and peace.

• Emotional exploitation is real: The devil uses anxiety and despair to manipulate your mind.

• Peter walked on water first: Faith can move you, but distraction can sink you.

• Instability is a sign of distraction: James 1:8 reminds us that double-mindedness causes spiritual weakness.

• Worship is your weapon: Praise, prayer, and the Word are your tools to resist distraction.

From The Daily Word with Pastor KBN: Circumstances, Trials & Tests (Part 1), Mar 25, 2025
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-daily-word-with-pastor-kbn/id1800872165?i=1000700704692&r=543
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Chapter 6: Hearing and Recognizing God’s Voice

Obedience begins with listening. Learning to hear God’s voice brings clarity, direction, protection, and peace. As believers, it is essential that we discern His voice amid the noise of life and act on what He reveals.

We praise God for His goodness! We thank Him for blessing us with the gift of life and another opportunity to serve, see, hear, and speak. We never want to take the simple things for granted. Lord, we honor You today. It is a privilege to serve You.

Let’s pray: Father, forgive us of our sins. As I minister to Your people, let the words You’ve given me be edifying and uplifting. Bless those who hear, and let their hearts receive. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

God often speaks to us gently through conviction or directly by prompting us to act. Many believers have experienced the Holy Spirit saying, “Don’t go that way,” or “Wait here,” only to later realize He was guiding them out of danger.

Think of the testimonies from 9/11—individuals who felt led not to go to work, or children begging their parents to stay home. The Holy Spirit protects and leads us daily. Jesus said, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me” (John 10:27, NKJV). Obedience to the Holy Spirit brings undeniable blessings.

God Reveals Himself Through Revelation

Revelation is when God shows us something we didn’t previously know or see. In Scripture, even Balaam’s donkey was used to reveal God’s will (Numbers 22:21–33). As we read God’s Word, we begin to see how He operates and speaks.

God speaks through various channels: the Bible, prayer, fellow believers, inner peace, and even impressions on our hearts. When we slow down and make time to listen, we become confident in recognizing His voice.

“The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord” (Psalm 37:23, NKJV). But to follow His steps, we must first hear Him. That means quieting ourselves, meditating, and making space to receive His direction.

Learning to Hear God’s Voice

Hearing God is like tuning a radio. Once you find the right frequency, you stay there. Don’t turn the dial. Stay connected to what placed you in that posture of clarity with God.

For some, hearing God’s voice is new. His presence might feel like peace, love, or even a powerful stillness. In Acts 2, people were so overcome by the Holy Spirit they were perceived as being drunk. His presence can be overwhelming.

Throughout the Bible, God used prophets and prophetesses to speak to His people. Jonah’s story reminds us that disobedience can have consequences not just for us, but for others (Jonah 1:1–17). Jonah didn’t want the people of Nineveh to repent, but God’s will was for their salvation.

There is power and purpose in obedience.

Confirming the Word You Receive

When someone speaks a word over your life, test it. Line it up with Scripture and seek godly counsel. Pray over it. If it’s truly from God, it will agree with His Word and bring peace to your spirit.

“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God” (1 John 4:1, ESV).

God won’t contradict Himself. That’s why reading the Bible is critical—it helps you discern between God’s voice and your own thoughts. We must be careful of false prophets and stay grounded in truth.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV). God has a purpose for your life. When you know His Word and hear His voice, you walk confidently in that purpose.

Obedience Requires Prayer and Patience

When God gives you a word, don’t rush. Pray it through. Let that seed take root. God’s Word comes with the power to fulfill it. Just as seeds have DNA to produce fruit, God’s Word carries divine purpose.

Ask yourself: Is this from God or is this me? If it’s from God, it will align with His Word and bear fruit. Seek counsel and remain in prayer. God confirms His guidance through peace and His Word.

The more time you spend with Him, the more your desires align with His. You can’t submit to God unless you’ve first heard what He’s saying. As James 4:7 says, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

A Testimony from the Daily Word Family

Charlie, a faithful reader, shared this reflection:

“Pastor, I find it rewarding to stay in constant communication with God. He’s spoken to me even while mowing my lawn! I believe we fail to hear His voice because we’re not actively listening. When we constantly listen, we remain aligned with His will. True submission is seen when obedience is difficult. It’s a lifestyle, not a moment. When we live in submission, His voice becomes clearer, and our authority over the enemy grows. That’s when real fellowship begins—with the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Thank you, Charlie, for that word of encouragement. And to all who are reading—know that God desires to speak to you, to guide you, and to bless you as you walk in obedience.

Conclusion

When we tune our hearts to hear God’s voice and respond in obedience, we unlock peace, purpose, and protection that can only come from Him.

Key Takeaways

• Obedience starts with listening. You must recognize and respond to God’s voice.

• God speaks in many ways. Through His Word, prayer, impressions, peace, and others.

• Test every word. Align what you hear with Scripture and godly counsel.

• Make time to hear. Quiet time with God tunes your heart to His frequency.

• Submission is daily. It is proven most when obedience is difficult.

• Obedience brings blessing. God’s voice leads to peace, protection, and purpose.

From The Daily Word with Pastor KBN: The Benefits Of Obedience (Part 6), Mar 24, 2025
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-daily-word-with-pastor-kbn/id1800872165?i=1000700546292&r=692
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Chapter 5: Recognizing and Responding to Divine Messages

Subtitle: Discerning God’s Voice Through Prophetic Word and Peace

Good morning, Daily Word family! It’s a blessing to join you again today. I’m excited to share this word with you. Let’s open our hearts and minds to what the Spirit is saying to us through Scripture and testimony. Amen.

Let us pray:
Father, forgive me of my sins. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight. As I share the word You’ve given me, may Your people be edified. In Jesus’ name, amen.

When someone speaks what they believe is a word from God, it can come in many forms. It might be a teaching, a prophetic word, or a simple encouragement from a believer. According to Christian doctrine, a prophet is one inspired by the Holy Spirit to deliver God’s message, often acting as a seer or vessel for divine communication.

At times, these messages serve as confirmations—reassuring us of what God has already whispered in our hearts. I’ve experienced this many times. While listening to someone speak, something they say aligns exactly with what God has already spoken to me. That is confirmation. Sometimes, a word comes as a warning or direction, especially after we’ve prayed and asked God for clarity.

You may have had a moment where someone approached you and said, “I don’t know why, but I feel led to share this…” and what they say hits the exact situation you’ve been praying about. They may not have all the details, but you do. That’s a prophetic word sent to steer you toward the right path.

Philippians 4:6–7 (NKJV) says:
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

When you seek God for answers, trust that He may send someone to confirm it. Don’t be quick to act on every word. Take it to God. Wait for peace. A true word from God is often accompanied by divine peace, not pressure or anxiety.

Sometimes we become excited about a word and want to jump right into action, but the Bible reminds us not to be anxious. Instead, take time to pray, seek clarity, and wait for God’s peace to guide your decision. That peace—beyond understanding—is often the Holy Spirit affirming your direction.

Remember, a word from God is divine communication. It might not be an audible voice—it could be a strong inner sense, a moment of clarity, or even something as simple as a billboard or a phrase that resonates deeply with your spirit.

Understanding the message depends on your faith and spiritual discernment. Often, interpreting God’s message requires prayer, patience, and reflection.

Sometimes, God speaks through others in powerful, unexpected ways. I remember a prophetic word my wife and I received years ago: we would have a son. At the time, we had no plans for more children. But that “son” turned out to be Elijah, the child of my daughter whom we later raised.

We didn’t even recall the prophecy until Elijah was nearly an adult. Then, God brought it back to our remembrance. That word was true—though not in the way we initially expected.

I also remember when God gave me a specific word that Elijah would be my replacement on this earth. That revelation sent me straight to prayer. I needed clarity. Was God telling me my life was ending?

But God reassured me—it wasn’t about death, but legacy. Elijah had inherited the gifts and callings on my life: musician, worship leader, recording artist, and producer. He had grown up immersed in music ministry, observing my work and that of his grandmother and others.

He was there during countless projects, even watching us produce No Weapon with Pastor David Crane. Back then, Pastor Nicole was pregnant with Ashton. Fast forward to 2025—Ashton now leads worship, and Elijah serves on the worship team at Faith Church. The prophetic word has been fulfilled right before our eyes.

You may wonder, “How do I know when the Holy Spirit is speaking to me?”
Sometimes, it’s through conviction. Other times, it’s a clear prompt for action.

My wife often tells of moments when the Holy Spirit warned her not to proceed. Once, she paused at a green light because she felt a divine nudge. Seconds later, a large truck ran a red light. Her obedience saved her life. These Spirit-led moments happen more often than we realize.

I invite you to share your own testimonies—times when you heard God’s voice directly or through someone else, and how obedience or disobedience to that word impacted your life. Send them in so we can share them with the Daily Word family and encourage others. There is power in your story.

As we grow in our faith, we must also grow in discernment. Just as there are true prophets, there are false ones. Test every word. Align it with Scripture. If a word brings confusion, fear, or turmoil, it may not be from God.

God’s voice brings peace, clarity, and life. Always back what you hear with the Word of God. Trust the Spirit to confirm it with peace.

Conclusion:
There is always a blessing in listening to God. His voice brings peace, direction, and protection when we respond with obedience.

Key Takeaways

• A prophetic word may serve as confirmation, direction, or warning—always test it through prayer and Scripture.

• Philippians 4:6–7 reminds us to replace anxiety with prayer and let God’s peace guide our hearts.

• God’s messages can come through people, signs, or spiritual impressions—stay spiritually aware.

• Peace is often the confirmation that a word is truly from God; confusion is a red flag.

• Share your testimony—it encourages others and reminds you of God’s faithfulness.

• Discernment is essential—align every word with Scripture and the character of God.

From The Daily Word with Pastor KBN: The Benefits of Obedience (Part5), Mar 21, 2025
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-daily-word-with-pastor-kbn/id1800872165?i=1000700225563&r=575
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