Daily Devotional: God's Wonderful Gifts - Part 6 - The Power Gifts

by Jerry Ousley  

 

 

The Power Gifts

 

1 Corinthians 12:8-11 – “. . . for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.  But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.”

 

            The second category of God’s wonderful gifts are called “The Power Gifts.”  What we mean by that is that these gifts show a demonstration of the mighty, wonderful, miraculous power of God.  These gifts have also been greatly abused by modern preachers who proport that they are used by God in mighty miraculous ways.  They have built huge ministries (really big business) based on God giving them the ability to heal and work miracles.  Now, in fairness, perhaps some of these people really were initially used by God.  Perhaps early in their ministry God allowed them to be used by one or more of the power gifts.  But somewhere along the way it went to their heads.  They began to think that maybe they were more favored by God and deserved the large crowds and huge offerings.  They made claims that when someone was not healed or did not receive their miracle that it was due to a lack of faith on that party’s part.  Unfortunately, these charlatans have made huge fortunes playing off others who desperately need healing or a miracle in their lives.  They do detriment and harm to the kingdom of God.

 

            But this doesn’t mean that the gifts are not real.  Only that these individuals have misused them for their own selfish gain and benefit.  Like the vocal gifts nowhere in scripture is it plainly said that they have expired or been done away with.  They are still just as real as they were in Biblical days.  We just need to pray that we are used by God and correctly demonstrate them.

 

            In the long run, just as with the vocal gifts, they are a sign to the world of the reality and existence of God.  Jesus healed and worked miracles as signs to prove that God was real and that He did really care for mankind.  It was the same in the days of the Apostles and it is still the same today.  Is it solely to demonstrate the reality of God or does He care for people?  Actually, it is both.  God does care for people – So much that He came in the form of His Son, Jesus Christ, and died, then rose again to save us from the curse placed on this Earth when Adam sinned.  He does care and wants good things for people.  But more important than healing or miracles, we need to come to Him to be saved from the awful wrath of Hell.

 

            The power gifts are, the gift of faith, gifts of healings (or cures), and working of miracles.  Faith is a power gift because the person exercising this faith believes to the point that God works.  It is a Divine knowing implanted in that individual.  Often then, I believe that in the example of the charlatans mentioned above, that the healing that comes may not be because the charlatan has power but because the recipient exercised the gift of faith.  God honored the recipient not the charlatan. 

 

We have talked about faith in times past.  Faith isn’t just the belief in hoping for Divine action.  It is the belief in God despite the outcome.  We’ve used the example before of the lions.  Daniel was placed in a pit of starved, hungry lions and God protected him.  Yet, in the days of the Roman Empire hundreds if not thousands of Christians were thrown into arenas of lions and torn apart for the entertainment of the Romans.  Did this mean that the Christians had weaker faith and belief in God than Daniel?  No.  It simply meant that they believed and hoped in God despite whether they were saved or torn asunder.  That is true faith.

 

            The power gift of faith is slightly different in that it is a God-inspired knowing in a given situation or circumstance.  God reveals and the person exercising the gift of faith just knows that it is going to take place.  And it does.

 

            The gifts of healings or cures is similar in that it is a Divine blessing whether by the hands of someone praying for an individual or the individual themselves proclaiming the miracle.  It is real and it can happen when God wants it to be done.  Healing can come through an instantaneous act, a gradual process, or even through the hands of modern medicine.  The truth is that all healing comes from God.

 

            The third power gift is working of miracles.  Miracles are just as real today as they were in times past.  We have to remember, in looking at the history of the Bible, that sometimes centuries passed without a miracle from God.  But that didn’t mean that they were no longer real or possible.  God can inspire a gift of miracles whenever He chooses and at His will.  He is not bound by us when we follow some principle or rule that forces Him to work a miracle.  He does so at His discretion and when it is needed.

 

            Just like the vocal gifts, the power gifts are still just as valid and real as they once were.  Perhaps we don’t always get the miracle or healing that we think we need.  Our faith doesn’t demand that God work.  It simply means that we believe when He does and also when He remains silent.  God is God and again, He can do whatever He wants to do.  He isn’t our servant to grant our every wish but we are His servants to fulfill His will.  He will use the gifts to accomplish His purpose.  And when He does it will not be confusing but wonderful and powerful.

 

. . . To Be Continued . . .

 

 

Jerry D. Ousley is the author of ïSoul Challengeï, ïSoul Journeyï, ïOrdealï, ïThe Spirit Bread Daily Devotional and his first novel ïThe Shoe Tree.ï Visit our website at spiritbread.com to download these and more completely free of charge.

 

8653342066?profile=RESIZE_180x180

 

INTRODUCING MY NEW STREETWEAR BRAND, Y.A.H. APPAREL

 

8586369280?profile=RESIZE_710x

CHECK ME OUT AT yahapparel.net/

Votes: 0
E-mail me when people leave their comments –

Prince Malachi is the founder of The Oracle Network and the Streetwear brand Y.A.H. Apparel

You need to be a member of The Oracle Mag to add comments!

Join The Oracle Mag