As followers of Christ, we have the opportunity to become as close to God as we desire, and the result is an increased spiritual sensitivity where we can recognize and understand what God is saying. I’ve spoken with many Christians about this, and very few develop a habit of intentionally listening to the Holy Spirit for an increased spiritual awareness of his presence.
Discerning wisdom that is hidden from our earthly understanding is having a desire to be led by God according to what we sense he wants to reveal to us. The Lord asked Solomon what he desired, and the king replied “Spiritual wisdom and discernment,” which pleased God.
The majority who were raised with traditional Christian doctrines accept biblical prophecy, but for the most part believe this ability has passed away. Since many are taught cessationism theology, they naturally do not seek to be used in these gifts, all the while singing songs about opening our spiritual eyes and being filled with his Spirit. Which, by the way, is the empowerment for spiritual fruits and gifts.
In John 16:13 we read, “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own, but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future.” This subject is critically important as it’s directly involved with our personal relationship with our Lord. For example, when we hold a tiny baby in our arms, can we literally discern how devoted they will be to God, or do we just feel the natural and physical possibilities with our emotions?
In Luke chapter 2, we read about an individual named Simeon, who was a spiritually dedicated man of prayer and fasting who is described in verse 25 as “righteous and devout with the Holy Spirit upon him.” He was there when Mary and Joseph brought baby Jesus (who was probably no more than a month old) to be dedicated at the temple according to the law of Moses. God had promised this elderly man that he would not pass away until he had seen the King of kings. On the day that Mary and Joseph went to the temple, Simeon encountered the divine appointment of meeting this special family.