Peace be to the brothers and sisters, and love joined with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with undying and incorruptible love.
Ephesians 6:23-24 AMP
Lately, I’ve found that if I’m not speaking the truth in love, I’ve got nothing to say. I’m always trying to build people up in the faith and encourage them to faithfully walk with the Lord. Sometimes I think I’m a one trick pony, all I can do is talk about Jesus, but I guess that’s okay if I’m called to be an evangelist.
By the grace of God, I’ve discovered that ministry is the easiest thing in the world for me to do. It starts with loving God more than anything else. Then, you simply ask God what His will is concerning any situation and then you do it. Pretty simple, right?
I used to think you had to know a bunch of stuff and be an expert in what the Bible says. That doesn’t hurt, but the main thing is you have to know God. You actually have to be on speaking terms with God. God knows everything and He’s got the master plan. All you need to do to be successful in ministry is obey what the Holy Spirit tells you to do.
For example, I participate in the Online School of Prayer, where we learn about and practice intercessory healing prayer. We gather online in a Zoom meeting where there’s a teaching on a topic each week and then we break out into groups of 4 or 5 to practice what we’re learning. Without application what’s the point of learning and teaching?
One person facilitates a Holy Spirit led time of healing prayer and mind renewal and the others act as witnesses for the person who requests prayer.
I was really tired yesterday, and I thought maybe I could use some prayer. However, as I was praying about it during the teaching time I felt the Spirit say, “No. Keep your mouth shut unless I say something. I want you to pray for somebody.”
We broke out into our groups and after the usual pleasantries, the facilitator prayed for a starting point. Then came the question, “Would anyone like to receive prayer?”
Normally, I’m not shy about speaking up when others are silent but I’m learning to be faithful to do what God tells me to do, so I kept my mouth shut. Sure enough, one of the guys spoke up with some urgency about needing some prayer.
As I was acting as witness, just observing and interceding silently, the Lord spoke a word of knowledge to me. Two simple words that I won’t share here out of respect to those involved. There seemed to be some confusion on what to pray about as the facilitator and the man requesting prayer dialogued. That’s when I asked, “Can I say something?”
I shared the word that the Lord gave me and asked the man if it resonated with him as truth. He said it was exactly the issue he was struggling with. Then the facilitator asked me to take over leading the prayer time. We prayed and asked God to speak to him about what the root of that issue was. The Lord spoke to him a single word. Then we prayed about the root of that issue.
The Holy Spirit revealed to him some stuff I won’t share here. Knowing God’s will is always to heal and bring wholeness, I led him in some prayers to break the spirit of fear off his life and for God to reveal how He sees him. It was a beautiful moment. I asked the Holy Spirit to reveal what He wanted the gentleman to know about his identity. With a smile on his face he said, “I am loved.”
Isn’t that amazing? God still speaks to His servants today. When He speaks, whatever He says goes. It’s absolute truth even when circumstances don’t seem to line up. God’s Word is unstoppable.
Effective ministry is all about following God’s lead. I didn’t know anything more than I was going to pray for a person. It wasn’t even my turn to facilitate. But God already knew what He wanted to do last night in our little group. All we had to do was humble ourselves, seek God’s will and obey. God did the rest.
Whether you’re praying for someone to be healed, delivered or for any other concern, the same principles apply. Trust that God knows best. Ask God what to do. Wait and listen patiently. When He speaks, do what He says. Be a witness to the work of God. Then, rejoice in what He has done and give all the glory to God. Repeat as needed. Opportunities present themselves everyday.
I can’t heal anyone but God can and He will if you ask nicely. I pray that encourages you today to live boldly for Jesus. It’s all about Jesus. Always has been, always will be. Thank God, for His mercy endures forever. Amen.
Father, we thank You that You are the Great Physician and that You love us and heal us of all our diseases and infirmities. Give us humble hearts of service, guided by Your love, to do Your will, wherever we find ourselves. Jesus, we love You. All glory and honor and power be unto Your Name, forever and always. Amen.
Now Jesus called together the twelve [disciples] and gave them [the right to exercise] power and authority over all the demons and to heal diseases. Then He sent them out [on a brief journey] to preach the kingdom of God and to perform healing.
Luke 9:1-2 AMP
I find from many years experience is to live the life of a Christian. Many will be interested in why you are differant. That is the best time to share your story of how Christ has worked in your life and through your life.
Many will listen but few will be interested in actually accepting Christ ( from my bountiful experience it is one out of ten ).
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That’s good encouragement. Thank you for sharing!
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