Thanks. Sometimes I think we expect the Gifts of the Spirit to be these rousing, show-stopping numbers that cause fire to shoot from the hands and for feet to leave the floor while we levitate doing the otherwise impossible works of God.
But Jesus said that in order to do the works of God, we must simply believe on the one whom the Father had sent (
John 6:28-29).
We see therefore that the works of God are much simpler than we realize. It comes down to trusting in the One whom the Father sent, i.e. in His Son, Jesus Christ.
All things are of Him, and flow through Him, including the Gifts of the Spirit. All that the Spirit says and does is for the glorification of the Lord Jesus, sitting at the right hand of God.
So with a simpler understanding not based in man's attempt to comprehend, but rather in God's perfect plan of how the church should operate, we come to realize the Gifts of the Spirit are way more often experienced and utilized by God among His people.
Don't get me wrong. Sometimes when God moves and one of His Gifts are manifested by His Spirit, it can shake the place and even the dead can be raised. Simon Peter walked on water, too!
But other times, a Gift can be peaceful and pleasant to the experience, simply helping edify and build the faith of a brother or sister in need.
One time I was down and out about my student loan debt, not seeing how I could ever repay it. I was down in the dumps, because it seemed like the debt was going to hold me back from fulfilling God's will and calling. As I shared my distress with a brother, suddenly the gift of faith operated in him and he spoke to me of God's ability to do and take care of things (and some other words, as well that I won't share now).
My friend's kind words over dinner at a Chili's made all the difference and my faith was immediately lifted. My countenance was no longer fallen, and hasn't been, in regards to this matter. That was several years ago. I still can't afford to pay off the loans, but my worry, distress, and even heartache, ALL PRODUCED BY A LACK OF FAITH, was brought to an immediate end when God moved on my friend to speak into my life with a gift of faith.
Recognizing it much later for what it was, it has helped me to realize that sometimes the charismata operate on a much subtler level, so much so, we might be able to realize God is using us way more than we realize.
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