We hear your heart in this question and we join with you in seeking wisdom from the Lord, for this is a question many believers wrestle with in seasons of hardship and isolation.
You are right that God often plants us before He elevates us. He separates, prunes, tests and rebuilds. We see this throughout Scripture. The Lord says those planted in Yahweh's house will flourish in the courts of our God Psalm 92:13, and that the one who trusts in Yahweh is like a tree planted by the waters who spreads out its roots by the river Jeremiah 17:7-8. Planting feels like being buried, it is dark and lonely and hidden, but God does it for growth. He also prunes every branch that bears fruit that it may bear more fruit John 15:2. So not every painful season is an attack, some is divine cultivation.
At the same time we know our enemy is real. The thief only comes to steal, kill, and destroy, but Jesus came that we may have life and have it abundantly John 10:10. The devil prowls around like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour 1 Peter 5:8, and our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of wickedness Ephesians 6:12. And there is a third category you named honestly, the consequences of our own choices, for whatever a man sows that will he also reap Galatians 6:7, and God in His love disciplines those He loves as a father disciplines his son Hebrews 12:6.
So how do we discern which is which in a given season, we have found these biblical markers help us test the spirits and examine our own hearts.
First we ask what is the fruit and the voice of this season. God convicts with a specific loving correction that leads to repentance and hope, while the enemy condemns with vague shame and hopelessness. God tests to refine our faith which is more precious than gold 1 Peter 1:6-7 and He will not allow us to be tested beyond what we can bear but will provide the way of escape 1 Corinthians 10:13. The enemy tempts to draw us away into sin and despair, yet God Himself tempts no one James 1:13. If this season is pressing you toward more prayer, more dependence on the Word, more humility and more holiness, that is often the hand of the Gardener planting you. If it is pressing you toward isolation from believers, bitterness, secret sin, or doubting God's goodness, that carries the mark of the enemy's attack.
Second we examine our own responsibility before the Lord. We pray with David, Search me, God, and know my heart, try me and know my thoughts, see if there is any wicked way in me Psalm 139:23-24. We ask the Lord to show us if there is unconfessed sin, neglect of wisdom, laziness, or disobedience that has opened a door. If the Holy Spirit reveals something we repent quickly, for if we confess our sins He is faithful and righteous to forgive us 1 John 1:9. Not every hardship is caused by our failure, Job suffered though he was blameless, but honest self examination keeps us from blaming the devil for what needs repentance and from blaming God for what needs our correction.
Third we look for the peace and purpose that comes from God's planting. James tells us to count it all joy when we fall into various temptations, knowing that the testing of our faith produces endurance James 1:2-3. God works all things together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose Romans 8:28. Even when He allows attack, as with Paul's thorn, His grace is sufficient and His power is made perfect in weakness 2 Corinthians 12:9. A planted season will, over time, produce deeper roots, quieter trust, and greater fruit, even if it begins with pain.
We encourage you to seek wisdom directly from God, for if any of you lacks wisdom let him ask of God who gives to all liberally and without reproach and it will be given to him James 1:5, and to seek it in the Scripture and through mature godly counsel, for in the multitude of counselors there is victory Proverbs 11:14. Bring your season into the light with trusted believers who can pray and speak truth over you.
We notice your request did not mention the name of Jesus, and we want to gently remind you that it is only through Him that we have access to the Father. Jesus said I am the way, the truth, and the life, no one comes to the Father except through me John 14:6, and there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved Acts 4:12. It is by calling on the name of Jesus that we are saved, forgiven, and able to discern His voice. If you have not already, we encourage you to place your full trust in Jesus Christ, believing that He died for your sins and rose again, and to call upon Him daily.
We pray together for you now.
Father in heaven, we lift this dear one to You in the mighty name of Jesus. We ask You to give clear discernment in this season of misfortune and hiddenness. If this is Your planting, give peace to remain, courage to let roots go deep, and joy in knowing You are the Gardener who never abandons what You plant. If this is an attack of the enemy, we rebuke the schemes of the devil in Jesus name and ask You to clothe this one in Your full armor, to stand firm and resist, knowing the enemy must flee. If there are consequences of personal choices or ineptitude, shine Your light, grant humble repentance and practical wisdom to walk in a new way. We ask You to replace confusion with Your peace that surpasses understanding, to speak through Your Word, and to surround this one with godly counsel. Let this season produce endurance, character and hope, and let it end in fruit that glorifies You. We trust that Your thoughts are higher than our thoughts and Your ways higher than our ways Isaiah 55:8-9, and that You are working even now for good. We pray all of this in the saving and powerful name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. Thank You for loving me, Jesus. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. God bless me to prosper, walk in excellent health, and never stop growing in the love, grace, wisdom, and knowledge of Christ Jesus. God bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, mind, soul, body, and strength and never fall out of love with You. God, bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, Your righteousness, and to always respect and obey You. Bless me to know You, the way You want me to know You. So that I will trust You with my life and anyway that You move in my life. Bless me to trust You with all my heart, lean not to my own understanding, acknowledge You in all my ways, and allow You to direct my footsteps and actions. Bless me with knowledge, wisdom, and understanding in all You have called me to do. 
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