We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed.
2 Corinthians 4:8-9 NLT
An encounter with God, an experience with God, sometimes one is all you need to have unshakeable faith.
The period in which we’re living is marked by troubles unlike anything most have ever witnessed in their lifetime. Many are perplexed. People feel hunted down by invisible viral agents of destruction. And yet, we persist.
We are not crushed in our spirits. We are not driven to despair. God will never abandon us. We cannot be destroyed. The One who created the universe holds us each individually in His hand. The God of all Creation loves us, cares for us, provides for us and guides us. We have a loving Father in Heaven and His Spirit dwells within us.
There are some who feel that God does not confirm His Word with miracles, signs and wonders. Their unbelief is based on their limited, human experience not the written Word of God. I see nowhere in Scripture that says God has lost any of His authority or power.
In fact, my faith is based on my own initial miraculous encounters with God. He gently grabbed my attention while I was all alone, lost in my sin. I did not deserve His grace. Nothing in my life was pleasing to God. At my lowest point, that’s when He saved me. He delivered me in an instant from years of escalating drug and alcohol addiction, crushing depression, hopelessness, confusion and despair.
When I prayed a genuine prayer, He touched me with His mercy and filled me with His Spirit. I immediately had revelation knowledge of who Christ Jesus is and what He’d done for me, and everyone who believes. My prayer?
“God, if You’re real, save me. And save the rest of the world while You’re at it, cuz I’m done being selfish.”
Boom. That was it. I could tell you of all the miraculous blessings that came into my life. I could share about how He gave me cars, food, clothes, shelter, a free education and more new friends than I ever imagined possible. But this isn’t about me and my singular experience. This is a testimony of God’s immeasurable kindness and patience towards the most selfish and self-centered of sinners, all of us here in America.
God is bringing back revival to His Church. The first fruits are appearing all over, in the most unlikely of places. This year alone, I’ve experienced further deliverance, healing and prophetic guidance. I’ve also cast out demons, healed people I didn’t know or see by prayer alone, simply praying in faith at someone’s earnest request. I watched people get baptized in the Holy Spirit and spontaneously start speaking in new languages. I’ve taught scores of people to recognize the voice of God in only minutes. This is not to brag about me, but the One who made me.
God is moving in awesome power every single day. We can look at all the chaos and destruction in the world and get fearful. Or we can recognize this for what it is. An opportunity for God to get the glory. For every natural disaster, or act of God for insurance purposes, we see God’s people rise to the occasion. Hope springs eternal.
It is in the worst of times that God’s best is unmistakably evident. Everyday, people are choosing to place their trust in God, not knowing what tomorrow will bring, but confident that God will carry them through. This is a time of great faith. And with great faith comes the evidence of God’s miracle working power.
My understanding of God is not based on academic research. It started with a power encounter and continues to this day as a constant outpouring of His Spirit. When I read and study the Word of God, I’m not reading a history lesson of a bygone era. God doesn’t change. It is written. I’m looking into the mirror, studying the evidence of His love for us.
Haters are gonna hate. Doubters are gonna doubt. Sinners are gonna sin. But we wrestle not with flesh and blood. I’ve watched countless corrupt leaders leave the faith, yet nothing can destroy my faith. I’ve fallen countless times, but God always helps me back up to my feet. I know God by revelation and personal experience. I pray that you would too.
We have entered an age of awe and wonder. Signs and wonders are standard practice as the Lord confirms His Word. Why serve a god that’s powerless? Why serve a god of your own imagination? Serve the true and living God. The One who cannot die. Serve Christ Jesus and walk in His love and be amazed at what He does through you. Not for our glory, solely for His.
May God give you the victory in every circumstance. Amen.
Igniter Ministries 