Not Every Check-In Is From God: Discernment Is Your Protection

There’s a certain kind of silence that comes with elevation. It’s not loud like celebration, and it’s not soft like comfort—it’s intentional. Purposeful women know this: sometimes you have to go quiet not because you’re hiding, but because you’re building. And it’s in that silence that the enemy gets nervous.
You feel it. The sudden text messages. The unexpected DMs. The random “just checking on you” pop-ins that feel more like interviews than genuine concern. This isn’t intuition gone wild—it’s spiritual discernment sounding the alarm. Because when the enemy can’t stop your progress, he’ll try to study your patterns.
This is what surveillance looks like in the spirit.
The enemy is strategic, not sloppy. And while he may not come in horns and flames, he will slip in through curious conversations cloaked in concern. “So what are you working on these days?” “You’ve been quiet lately—what’s going on?” “I saw your name mentioned—tell me more about that.” But purpose-driven women understand:
Not every check-in is a check-on. Some are surveillance in disguise.
The Bible gives us a blueprint in Nehemiah 6: While rebuilding the wall, Nehemiah received multiple “friendly invitations” to meet—but he discerned the trap and replied, “I am doing a great work and I cannot come down.”
That same spirit of distraction and intel-gathering is still at work today.
In this age of curated feeds, screenshots, and oversharing, intel is currency. The enemy knows that if he can’t block the blessing, he’ll try to gather intelligence on the process. And the most subtle method? People.
But before paranoia creeps in, let’s lean into wisdom:
Discernment Doesn’t Just Detect Enemies—It Reveals True Allies
Not every check-in is a setup. Some are sent from God. Some are genuine. Some are divine assignments with skin on—people whose hearts are for you, whose words are safe, and whose prayers reach heaven on your behalf.
“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God…” —1 John 4:1
Ask yourself:
- Does their presence bring peace, or provoke pressure?
- Do they celebrate you in public and protect you in private?
- Do they listen with compassion or fish for information?
- Do they draw closer when you’re low, or disappear until you’re visible?
True concern comes with intercession—not interrogation.
How to Spiritually Navigate “Check-Ins” in the Age of Surveillance
- Stay prayerful, not paranoid. “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” —Proverbs 4:23
Don’t live in fear. Ask for discernment daily—God will reveal who’s sent by Him. - Guard your gates.
Not every season requires an announcement. Some victories are for your altar, not your audience. - Speak wisely. “Be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.” —Matthew 10:16
Learn how to answer with grace and clarity—without giving unnecessary access to your process. - Trust the fruit.
Time exposes motives. What’s the pattern in their presence? Does it uplift or drain? - Honor the genuine.
Celebrate those who truly care. Don’t let surveillance culture harden you to real connection.
Reflection
Who in your life consistently brings peace, protection, and purpose into your space—and who makes you question your calling, your confidence, or your clarity after every interaction?
Write it out. Pray over it. Trust what’s revealed.
Power Declaration
“I am covered. I am called. I am not confused. God, sharpen my discernment. Show me who is for me and who is just watching. I will not come down from the wall. I’m doing a great work. In Jesus’ name—Amen.”
Word of Wisdom:
“Your silence isn’t secrecy—it’s strategy.”
“Discernment doesn’t just reveal enemies. It protects purpose.”
“Some check-ins are surveillance. Others are sanctuary. Know the difference.”
“Not everyone who sees your glow is cheering for your growth.”
So, to the woman who’s been feeling eyes on her… who senses that not every “just checking on you” is innocent… you’re not crazy. You’re not overthinking. You’re being led by the Holy Spirit. Trust Him. Guard the vision. Keep building.
The spies may be watching—but so is God. And His surveillance covers, protects, and defends.
Subscribe to the TPW Sisterhood Newsletter and follow us on Instagram @todayspurposewoman for spiritually-rooted stories, strategies, and sisterhood.