Spiritual Gifts: When and where?

[Jay]

I agree that this is a rather thought provoking issue. I have no difficulty in all of the gifts being used. The key is that we are not to force the use of any gift, but rather to allow the Spirit to use us at the instrument of His will. This is the only way that such a thing may be beneficial to all parties involved.

I had a couple of incidents regarding my best friend, and while I will not claim it as one of the gifts of the Spirit, I know that I was led of the Lord to speak. The first was a warning that I was given that he would be facing a major decision, and that if he made the wrong choice, he would be lost. There followed a couple of major decisions that fit this billing. He later told me that without that warning, he might not have prayed and given appropriate heed to the will of God.

The second was a bit different. While at work, I started to ponder things that the Lord might one day wish me to say. During this flight of fancy, I noticed that my thoughts had begun to address a situation my friend was going through. I have learned that in these instances to listen, because the Lord is beginning to speak. I was then given information concerning his situation, but I was baffled and felt that I only had half of the picture. I then began to pray about the correct time to approach my friend. Within a couple of weeks or less, the door opened, and I gave him the message from God. I also told him that I did not understand all of it. He then filled me in. Upon hearing the other side of the story, I then could see exactly how all of the parts made a perfect whole.

Paul said that there were many ways that the gifts were used and made manifest, but it was the same God who was at work in every situation.

[Aquila]

Originally Posted by Jay

I agree that this is a rather thought provoking issue. I have no difficulty in all of the gifts being used. The key is that we are not to force the use of any gift, but rather to allow the Spirit to use us at the instrument of His will. This is the only way that such a thing may be beneficial to all parties involved.

I had a couple of incidents regarding my best friend, and while I will not claim it as one of the gifts of the Spirit, I know that I was led of the Lord to speak. The first was a warning that I was given that he would be facing a major decision, and that if he made the wrong choice, he would be lost. There followed a couple of major decisions that fit this billing. He later told me that without that warning, he might not have prayed and given appropriate heed to the will of God.

The second was a bit different. While at work, I started to ponder things that the Lord might one day wish me to say. During this flight of fancy, I noticed that my thoughts had begun to address a situation my friend was going through. I have learned that in these instances to listen, because the Lord is beginning to speak. I was then given information concerning his situation, but I was baffled and felt that I only had half of the picture. I then began to pray about the correct time to approach my friend. Within a couple of weeks or less, the door opened, and I gave him the message from God. I also told him that I did not understand all of it. He then filled me in. Upon hearing the other side of the story, I then could see exactly how all of the parts made a perfect whole.

Paul said that there were many ways that the gifts were used and made manifest, but it was the same God who was at work in every situation.

Awesome testimony. I believe I see the gifts of word of wisdom, word of knowledge, and prophesy working together through you.

The key is that we are not to force the use of any gift, but rather to allow the Spirit to use us at the instrument of His will.

I don't believe that a spiritual gift can be "forced". One can pray and ask God to impart a special word of wisdom or word of knowledge... but ultimately the Spirit of God divides to every man severally as he wills. A man who is knowledgeable about spiritual gifts will honestly say, "I've prayed and have nothing at this time. I'll call you if God speaks to me about your circumstance." Amen, a gift can't be "forced".