How Does Discerning Work For You?

biblical coaching christian coach training discernment Sep 01, 2026

We all face stuff... Maybe it's a decision to be made, a goal to invest in, or perhaps you are facing a relational challenge.

Whatever it is. God wants to use it for good in your life.

He wants to connect with you in new ways. He wants to reveal Himself in some new way - maybe Counselor, or Friend, or Sustainer, or...

I kind of have a love/hate relationship with that familiar verse. You know the one - Romans 8:28, where God promises to use it all for good in our lives. If I'm honest, I sometimes have a different definition of "good". I don't want difficult stuff in my life, and even more so, I don't want my people to have it either.

I want all my people to be healthy, wealthy, and wise! :)

Turns out, though, we all learn and grow more through our difficulties than when things are easy. I'd rather learn from stories of others who were overcomers than have to face overcoming myself.

Guess that makes me human:)

It's complicated, though. On the one hand, we want things to go smoothly and for there to be no need. On the other hand, when we face the stuff of life, it's when we reach out to God the most. Maybe that is one part of what motivated James when he penned the following.

My brothers and sisters, when you have many kinds of troubles, you should be full of joy, because you know that these troubles test your faith, and this will give you patience. Let your patience show itself perfectly in what you do. Then you will be perfect and complete and will have everything you need. But if any of you needs wisdom, you should ask God for it. He is generous to everyone and will give you wisdom without criticizing you. But when you ask God, you must believe and not doubt. Anyone who doubts is like a wave in the sea, blown up and down by the wind. Such doubters are thinking two different things at the same time, and they cannot decide about anything they do. They should not think they will receive anything from the Lord. (James 1:2-8) (emphasis mine)

What are some of the two different things people think at the same time?

Here are some thoughts I had:

Where is God when I need Him? And: God, You must have something here for me. Open my eyes to see what You are showing me!
This is overwhelming. And: God, can you show yourself as Comforter and Guide?
I've been abandoned. And: Father, I choose to believe Your promise to never leave me alone despite my feelings.

Whatever you or your people are facing, God promises to give us wisdom when we ask. Yet, I don't know about you, but I usually need to talk out what I think God is telling me. It's usually more of a sense that I need to take a step toward something. When I work out what’s next in a safe coaching conversation, I can gain clarity on how to proceed one step at a time.

Where could you use some clarity?

Who could you provide a safe place for to process something?

We can help with both.

How Does Discerning Work For You?

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