Discernment: A Gift of Wisdom and Protection
Repurposed and Updated by Jodi Watkins "Lady J"
Have you ever heard the saying, “hurt people hurt people?” It wasn’t until I deeply examined my past relationships, my personal growth, and my daily interactions that I realized just how much truth lies in that statement. For years, I struggled with trusting the wrong people, ignoring my gut instincts, and failing to recognize the warning signs that God was revealing to me. But over time, I came to understand that discernment is one of the greatest gifts we can receive, and when we embrace it, we empower ourselves to break free from cycles of hurt, betrayal, and misplaced trust.
The Journey to Discernment
According to Merriam-Webster, discernment is “the quality of being able to grasp and comprehend what is obscure: skill in discerning” (Merriam-Webster). Essentially, it is the ability to distinguish between what serves us and what does not—to recognize those who genuinely support and uplift us versus those who are only present for personal gain.
While this may sound straightforward, the Bible warns us in Matthew 7:15 (ERV): “Beware of false prophets. They come to you and look gentle like sheep. But they are really dangerous like wolves.” This verse reminds us that deception often comes in a disguised form, and without discernment, we may fall prey to individuals or situations that pull us away from our God-given purpose.
In the past, I ignored my inner knowing, dismissing red flags and making excuses for people’s behavior. I wanted to believe that everyone had good intentions, that giving people the benefit of the doubt was always the right thing to do. But this lack of discernment led to repeated heartache, unnecessary battles, and relationships that drained my spirit instead of uplifting it.
Becoming Intentional with Wisdom
I’ve learned that discernment is not just about recognizing harmful people—it’s about having the wisdom to set boundaries, listen to that still, small voice inside, and trust that God will guide us to the right relationships and opportunities. In James 1:5 (NIV), we are assured: “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
At the end of 2024 and into this year, I leaned into this wisdom like never before. I made a conscious decision to be OPEN to growth, to stop oversharing with the wrong people, and to truly listen to the Holy Spirit when He revealed something to me. And let me tell you—when I did this, everything changed.
No longer did I feel obligated to force relationships that weren’t meant to be. I began seeing through deception much quicker. My peace became a priority, and I allowed God to remove anything that wasn’t aligned with His plan for me. The more I embraced discernment, the more clarity I gained in my personal life, my business, and my spiritual journey.
How The Cortina Method (TCM) Helped Me Break Through
One of the greatest tools that supported my journey to deeper discernment was The Cortina Method (TCM). This powerful approach helped me clear limiting beliefs, heal from past traumas, and reconnect with the wisdom God had already placed within me. By working through TCM, I was able to break free from unhealthy attachments, remove emotional blocks, and trust myself in a way I never had before.
If you’re struggling with discernment, if you find yourself constantly attracting the wrong people or second-guessing your intuition, I invite you to explore this work with me. Until March 10, I am offering a free TCM visit for those who book a discovery call and feel we are a good fit to work together. This is my way of giving back and helping others experience the same breakthroughs that transformed my life. You can schedule your call directly through my website: www.ladyjempowers.com.
Your Discernment Matters
I encourage you to take a moment today and reflect:
Are the people in your life truly for you, or are they only present when they need something?
Do your relationships bring peace, or do they drain your energy?
Are you trusting God’s guidance, or are you ignoring the red flags?
Remember, discernment is a gift, but it requires practice and intentionality. Each day, pray for God’s wisdom, surround yourself with those who uplift you, and never be afraid to walk away from what no longer aligns with your purpose. You are meant to shine, to grow, and to thrive.
Further Reading & Resources:
The Gift of Discernment: Spiritual Insights for Wise Living – Patricia King
Discerning the Voice of God – Priscilla Shirer
Healing the Soul of a Woman – Joyce Meyer
May this journey bring you closer to clarity, peace, and the divine wisdom God has prepared for you.
With love and empowerment,
Lady J
(Scripture references: Matthew 7:15, James 1:5, BibleGateway.com)
