Discerning What May Be Sustaining Resistance and Identifying the Path to Alignment
This assessment is designed to help with prayerful self-examination, spiritual discernment, and practical evaluation. It is not meant to create fear or assume every struggle is spiritual opposition. Use it alongside Scripture, wisdom, counsel, and prayer.
Key Scripture
Psalm 139:23–24
“Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my thoughts; and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”
Section 1
Spiritual resistance can be defined as anything that opposes or attempts to hinder your relationship with God, your obedience to His will, and the fulfillment of His purposes for your life.
What area feels like there is repeated resistance?
Describe the pattern you are experiencing:
How long has this been occurring?
Section 2
A pattern is identified by consistent repetition, not by reaching a specific numerical threshold.
Three or more similar occurrences, especially under comparable circumstances, often provide stronger evidence that a recurring pattern may be present.
When evaluating a possible spiritual pattern, consider the following questions:
Examples:
What pattern do you notice?
Section 3
Biblically, Scripture shows that the choices and patterns of previous generations can influence families and communities. This does not mean a person is automatically guilty for another person’s sin, but it highlights the importance of recognizing patterns, rejecting ungodly ways, and walking in the freedom Christ provides.
Scripture References
Exodus 20:5–6
Ezekiel 18:20
Galatians 3:13
Are there repeated patterns in my family line that need to be brought before God?
Family patterns I recognize:
Section 4
Iniquity refers to deeply rooted patterns of wrongdoing, attitudes, or behaviors that can become established over time. Scripture calls believers to turn from sinful ways and establish a new pattern through Christ.
Scripture References
Psalm 51:5
1 Peter 1:18–19
2 Corinthians 5:17
Have I noticed patterns that have continued through generations?
What patterns need to be surrendered to God?
Prayer Focus:
Section 5
Unconfessed sin can affect spiritual sensitivity and fellowship with God. Confession and repentance restore alignment and bring cleansing through Christ.
Scripture References
1 John 1:9
Proverbs 28:13
Psalm 32:5
Areas I need to bring before God:
Section 6
Heart issues give legal grounds for accusation when unresolved attitudes or sins—such as unforgiveness, bitterness, pride, fear, unbelief, or persistent disobedience—leave a person living contrary to God’s will. In Scripture, these issues can hinder fellowship with God, damage relationships, and provide opportunities for temptation and accusation.
Prayerfully consider:
If yes:
Scripture
James 1:22
“Be doers of the word, and not hearers only.”
What needs surrender?
Scripture
Ephesians 4:31–32
Section 7
The words we speak can contribute to spiritual resistance when they consistently express unbelief, fear, bitterness, pride, or agreement with what is contrary to God’s truth. Scripture teaches that our words reflect our hearts and have the power to influence our lives and relationships.
(Proverbs 18:21, Matthew 12:36–37, James 3:5–10)
What words have I repeatedly spoken over myself, others, or my situation?
Examples:
Write any repeated statements:
Replace with God’s truth:
Old agreement:
God’s Word:
Scripture
Proverbs 18:21
Section 8
Unfinished matters are unresolved issues, incomplete acts of obedience, unreconciled relationships, unconfessed sin, unfulfilled responsibilities, or lingering consequences from the past that continue to affect a person’s spiritual walk. These matters can hinder spiritual growth, disrupt relationships, and impede progress until they are addressed according to biblical principles.
Are there areas needing resolution?
What needs attention?
Section 9
Unresolved conflict, bitterness, and unforgiveness can create spiritual and emotional barriers. God calls us to pursue forgiveness, reconciliation, and love.
Scripture References
Matthew 6:14–15
Hebrews 12:15
Name or situation to pray about:
Section 10
Biblical repentance is not only turning away from what is wrong; it is turning toward God and establishing His truth, ways, and character.
Scripture References
Acts 3:19
Romans 6:11–14
Section 11
The spirit of discernment (or discerning of spirits, 1 Corinthians 12:10) is the Holy Spirit–given ability to perceive the true spiritual source behind a situation, pattern, thought, or behavior. It helps a believer distinguish what is of God, what is human, and what is influenced by deception or opposition.
Ask the Holy Spirit:
What do I sense God highlighting?
Section 12
Mark anything that applies:
Section 13
What needs to be surrendered?
What needs to be restored?
What practical step must I take?
Section 14
James 4:7
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
What is God showing me through this season?
What is my next obedient step?
Declaration: