I long for the day when the operation of the gifts of the Holy Spirit becomes common in our congregation. I have been praying for the gift of healing, but find another gift rising within my heart, longing with more and more intensity to see it expressed and used within our church: the gift of prophecy. The gift of prophecy has such a huge potential to encourage one another in their walk with the Lord, in their struggles, and hopes and disappointments. These words help immensely in our ability to strengthen ourselves in the Lord.
Not too long ago, I remember reading about keeping a record of words of prophecy others having spoken over us and reminding ourselves of them. But, I thought, “Lord, we don’t utilize the gifts of the Holy Spirit here. I only have 1 word of prophecy that was spoken to me over 20 years ago.” His response was that HE had given me words of prophecy.
Well, today, He gave me another that caused tears to come to my eyes. I was sitting down to meet with Him and asked Him where I should read, if at all. After sitting quietly for a few minutes, I “heard” ‘You are My treasure. I just wanted you to know that.’ ” 🙂 Then, after a few more minutes, I was led to read Isaiah 44. (So far, most of my words from Papa have come from Isaiah. It is quickly becoming my favorite book.) v. 3-5 “For I will pour water on thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour my spirit upon your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants. They shall spring up among the grass like willows by flowing streams. This one will say, ‘I am the Lord’s’, another will call on the name of Jacob, and another will write on his hand, ‘The Lord’s’, and name himself by the name of Israel.” WOW!
Suppose someone has been longing and praying for God to speak to them, incredibly thirsty for more of Him. And, then a brother or sisters tells them that God has a word for them and reads those verses. Can you just imagine what that would do, how much that would encourage? Do you see the potential it has is building up His body, strengthening each other in the Lord? I can’t even being to express how much I look forward to the time when that is a common and expected part of our service and fellowship. Words that God has given us to give to another; words that speak directly to the longings and prayers in our hearts; words that give us hope that what we are going through will work out; words that reassure us that God IS listening and He DOES care. These aren’t pat answers or hastily spoken verses, but rather words that pierce right to the heart of the matter because they come from God, not man. They are given to us by God when we approach His Word with an attentive ear to what He wants to say or where He directs us. (Now, I know that all scripture is from God, not man and is not truly “pat”. But, when we lack direction from God and aren’t attentive to His Spirit when we encourage another, the verses we quote can feel like a pat answer.)
Let’s stop being afraid of the gifts of the Holy Spirit and begin covet them earnestly. We need them to build up His body.