7 Keys to Protecting What God Is Doing in Your Life

There are moments in life when you begin to notice something painful but important. Not everyone who comes close to you truly wants to see you succeed. Some people, even those you care about, may look down on what God has given you or quietly dismiss the calling He has placed on your life. Their words, attitudes, or silence can leave you feeling discouraged, questioning yourself, and even doubting the very gifts God has placed within you.

I have experienced this personally. There have been times when I walked away from certain interactions feeling smaller, unsure, and wondering if I had misunderstood God’s voice. But in those moments, the Holy Spirit began to teach me something. He showed me that encountering such people is not a sign that you are off track. It is often a sign that you are carrying something from God that not everyone can recognise or celebrate.

If you have a calling on your life, if God has given you a divine assignment, you will meet people who do not understand it. You will meet people who minimise it. You will meet people who feel threatened by it. And you will meet people who simply cannot see what God sees in you.

But the Holy Spirit shared seven things with me: Seven lessons to hold onto when you encounter people like this. These lessons are meant to protect your heart, strengthen your confidence, and keep you aligned with God’s purpose for your life. Before you explore them, take a moment to read the passage below with an open heart. It will help you understand why these experiences happen and how God uses them to shape you.

Bible Text: Mark 11:27-33: New King James Version

Jesus’ Authority Questioned

²⁷ Then they came again to Jerusalem. And as He was walking in the temple, the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders came to Him. ²⁸ And they said to Him, “By what authority are You doing these things? And who gave You this authority to do these things?”

²⁹ But Jesus answered and said to them, “I also will ask you one question; then answer Me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things: ³⁰ The baptism of John—was it from heaven or from men? Answer Me.”

³¹ And they reasoned among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ ³² But if we say, ‘From men’ ”—they feared the people, for all counted John to have been a prophet indeed. ³³ So they answered and said to Jesus, “We do not know.”

And Jesus answered and said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.”

In Mark 11:27–33 we observe that Jesus is confronted by religious leaders who demand, “By what authority are You doing these things?”

Dear friend, they were not asking to learn. They were just asking to trap Him. Jesus answered with superior wisdom, not weakness. He refused to give holy things to people with hostile motives.

Consider seven key godly wisdom lessons that you and I can draw from this interaction and intentionally practise in our day‑to‑day lives

1. Not everyone deserves access to your “why”

Jesus teaches us that discernment is not secrecy; it is wisdom. Some people ask questions not to understand but to undermine you. Some people ask questions masked in kindness to unsettle you, and make you doubt God’s grace upon your life.

Dear friend, you do not owe everyone an explanation for your growth, success, or calling. Save your energy and focus on the assignment that God has given you.

2. Discern motives, not just words

The leaders’ question sounded very spiritual, but their hearts were hardened like a rock. Jesus, through the Holy Spirit, could discern the true states of their hearts.

Jesus teaches us to listen beneath the surface. Not every question deserves an answer. Not every conversation is safe.

Dear friend, pray to the Holy Spirit for discernment.

Proverbs 2:11; “Discretion will preserve you, understanding will keep you.” NKJV  

Dear friend, discernment protects your life, your decisions, your calling, your giftings, and your destiny. It keeps you from danger and helps you recognise what is wise and what is harmful.

3. Protect what God is doing in you

Jesus guarded His mission. He understood people, He discerned motives, and He protected what the Father had entrusted to Him

In contrast, King Hezekiah made a serious mistake (2 Kings 20:13-18). When foreign envoys from Babylon visited him, he welcomed them without discernment. He had never met them before, yet he opened every room, showed them all his treasures, and revealed everything God had blessed him with. What seemed like harmless hospitality became a moment of spiritual carelessness. He exposed what should have been protected.

That single action had consequences far beyond his lifetime. The same Babylonian nation he proudly entertained later returned in the days of his descendants and carried Judah into captivity. What Hezekiah opened in pride became a doorway the enemy used in the future

 Like Jesus modelled in Mark 11:27–33, you must guard your purpose, your progress, and your spiritual treasures. Some people want information only to criticise or control.

4. Wisdom sometimes means answering with a question

Jesus responded with a question that exposed their motives.

This teaches us that wisdom is not always direct confrontation. Sometimes the best response is to turn the spotlight back on the other person’s heart.

5. Silence can be a spiritual strategy

Proverbs 10:19; “In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is wise.” NKJV

Dear friend, silence is a form of self‑control. It keeps you from speaking in anger, reacting emotionally, saying something you will later regret, or giving your enemies information that could change the direction of your life.

Remember that information is direction.

Jesus did not explain Himself because they were not ready to receive truth.

Sometimes the Holy Spirit leads you to stay silent, step back, or say less. Silence is not weakness. It is protection.

6. Authority comes from God, not human approval

Jesus did not seek validation from the religious leaders.

He teaches us that your calling is not up for debate.

Dear reader, do not misunderstand me. I believe deeply in the law of honour, and Scripture teaches us to honour people as Romans 13:7 instructs. However, Sir or Ma, your validation comes from God, not from men. God will use people to recognise your calling or your gifting, but the ultimate validation of your assignment comes from Him alone.

Dear friend, in summary, when God authorises you, no one else needs to sign off.

7. Wisdom knows when to walk away

Jesus never wasted energy arguing, defending Himself, or trying to convince those who had already closed their hearts. He simply moved on and stayed focused on His mission. You do not need to remain in draining conversations that diminish your confidence or distract you from your calling.  As much as you can, avoid draining conversations this year.

Do not debate your purpose with people who cannot see what God has placed within you. Guard your creative energy. Protect your peace.

Dear friend, walk away with grace and become everything God has called you to be through the empowerment and guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Altar call: For anyone reading this article who is not saved and wants to be part of the family of God or you want to re-dedicate your life back to Jesus, please repeat this out loud. “Lord Jesus, I believe You died for my sins and rose again. I turn from my old ways and ask You to forgive me. Come into my heart, be my Lord and Saviour. Fill me with Your Spirit and help me live for You. Thank You for saving me, in Jesus Name. Amen“

Prayer: I receive divine wisdom and discernment to navigate life in victory by the power of the Holy Spirit, in Jesus Name

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