Releasing the Power of God:

[Aquila]

CONTINUED...

Up until this point in this thread I've not shared the areas of spiritual gifting I've operated in. Frankly, because I didn't want to boast, because I'm a nobody. It is Jesus who is everything. Nonetheless, I wish to share what areas of gifting I've been used in so that none might assume that I'm talking about spiritual gifts while having never been used in them.

The Gifts of the Spirit that I find flowing most freely in my walk with God have been Prophesy, Tongues, Interpretation of Tongues, Word of Knowledge, Word of Wisdom, Discernment of Spirits, and miracles (namely, casting out devils). These are rarely in operation all at the same time. However, they often work in clustered combinations. For example, I might receive a Word of Knowledge followed by a Word of Wisdom when ministering to an individual. Sometimes these come as "impressions", phrases to be said, or even "snap shots". At times, I've spoken in Tongues and the gift of Interpretation come over me, and I end up prophesying. When one gets a feel for the gifts, they more and more become less separated and appear to operate together in a complimentary fashion. And so they become less separate and become more of a single source to pull upon or that overwhelms, given the circumstance. I can feel their presence when I'm "plugged in", even if I do not feel compelled to use them. I've also felt their presence and not been able to connect to operate the gift. Not sure why, I'm still praying and studying that one. I firmly believe that any and every believer can be used in the gifts freely if they simply step out in faith. They are not strange or spooky. They should be the norm among a Spirit filled body. The one gifted must realize that they are nothing. I am nothing. It is God who is glorified in us, in our ministries, and in our exploits as we go forth in His name.

I've never been actively used in gifts of healing. Although, a man was healed from chronic back pain during one of my sermons back in 2006 or 2007. The sermon was, "When God Seems Cruel". He had been struggling with a number of health problems but one of the major one's was his back pain. It nearly immobilized him. He had prayed for healing time and time again and had been told that perhaps it just wasn't God's will to heal him. For a little over a year the man couldn't grasp why God would want him to endure such pain and as a result, he began to blame God for the troubles in his life such as not being able to work, not being able to be a husband, and not being able to volunteer to be used in the Kingdom. During the sermon he said that I had made a point (God isn't cruel, it is life that is cruel, and as a result we all suffer from powerful blows that leave us broken wondering why) and it struck home. He went to raise his hands and there was no pain. He began rejoicing and praising God as I was preaching and some stood with him. I had no idea what was going on as I continued to plow forward in the sermon. It was after the altar call that he approached me and testified as to what God had done for him the second he ceased to blame God. I was beside myself. I had no idea he was healed in the pews. Although all his health problems weren't healed, the back pain was gone and it made all the difference. I saw him last year and he was still pain free. To God be all the glory!

I've also never been used in the Gift of Faith. In all honesty, since I've never experienced this gift, I'm not even entirely sure what it is exactly. I've always had the impression that it is a supernatural impartation of faith that defies all logic in a given, seemingly hopeless, situation or circumstance. I've heard of brothers and sisters who faced such tragedy I just couldn't see how they got back up on their feet and praised God in the midst of the storm. Things that I fear would rock my faith beyond recovery. Yet, for some reason, God in His infinite mercy blessed them with the Gift of Faith to not only make it through the trial... but to share and impart a measure of that faith with others who find themselves faced with overwhelming circumstances. I can only be seated and stare in awe when I see this gift of the Spirit in operation. It's the kind of empowerment that allows one to stare death in the face and say, "Whatever man... Jesus is still worthy."

I've needed healing in my mind and body and yet for some reason it has yet to manifest. And at times, I've faced some disappointments that left me shaken and I've had to tie a knot in the rope and just hang on for dear life. I'm no superhero. In fact, I'm just as imperfect as the next guy. Sometimes more so.

In a previous thread the subject came up about why there are times when we don't see people healed. That's when I began digging back into a study I started late last year on the power of God. I'm going to unleash the power and declare my healing in the name of Jesus. If that doesn't work, like Paul, I'll accept that God's grace is sufficient and that His strength is made perfect in my weakness, and so I will glory in my infirmities, testifying that if God can use a broken and imperfect man like me... certainly He can use you and others who have so much more to offer.

I also have a circumstance that has been very challenging for my family. I went to get some fresh air on the porch one morning at about 5 am. I hadn't slept because worry was keeping me awake. As I sat on the porch, I decided to pray and release the power of God into my situation in the name of Jesus. So far, the results have been absolutely amazing. It's not finished working the work it was released to do, so I'll share my testimony with you when the dust settles.

There is both power and authority available to us in Christ. Don't be afraid to step out and use the power that Christ purchased for us at Calvary. Everything you need, you already have it. It's right there in your tongue. Pray the prayer of faith and release the power of God through speaking words of faith and power and watch as the power of God begins to go to work in your circumstance and in the lives of the people you love.

May God bless and keep you and yours.