The Faithful Wanderer

God’s Choice

When someone is born again and comes into God’s kingdom, the Holy Spirit gives the new believer one or more spiritual gifts. But the Almighty decides which gifts each person receives.

It’s His sovereign choice, not ours. So why does Paul command us to “eagerly desire the greater gifts” in 1Corinthians 12:31? I believe it’s because we can ask the Holy Spirit for other spiritual gifts as well.

It goes back to what Paul said earlier in the chapter. This comes from the Amplified Bible.

Now there are [distinctive] varieties of spiritual gifts [special abilities given by the grace and extraordinary power of the Holy Spirit operating in believers], but it is the same Spirit [who grants them and empowers believers]. (1 Corinthians 12:4 AMP)

In another version, this verse calls the gifts “manifestations” of the Spirit. Old Testament prophets received specific messages from God. To be attuned to Him in that way was the gift of prophesy. When the disciples miraculously healed people or cast out demons, it was the Lord’s power at work through them.

The gifts of teaching or administration are the same. God’s power flows thru us to nourish Christ’s body and accomplish His will.

Why Not Evangelism?

I have the spiritual gifts of teaching and encouragement. But despite being a good talker and meeting new people easily, I don’t have the gift of evangelism. When I try to share Christ, I stumble over my words or get tongue-tied.

I’m also a terrible debater.

This surprises people who know me. They think I’d be very good about defending my Christian faith. For instance, that I’d be able to easily share the available evidence for Christ’s resurrection. But in a debate with unbelievers, I crumble. Even when I mentally know the answers to their arguments. My words just don’t come out right.

I suspect if God had given me the gift of evangelism when I became born again, I would have patted myself on the back. God wouldn’t have gotten any of the credit.

Yet I believe in Hell, because Christ spoke of it often. Eternal life only comes though Jesus’ death on the cross. I may not be spiritually equipped to win souls, but I can pray them into God’s kingdom. Repentance and salvation, after all, are the work of the Holy Spirit.

The Extra Gifts I’ve Asked For

First, I unconsciously, asked for the gift of faith. In my teens I didn’t believe God existed. After Jesus made a believer out of me, my heart’s cried out, “Lord, make me an anti-atheist.”

So, what’s an anti-atheist?

A woman of great faith. That prayer largely has come true. I do have a lot of faith and other Christians have seen that quality in me.

Second, I asked for the gift of evangelism. Nothing earth-shaking is happening there. I’m not detecting any change in myself.

The third gift I’ve asked for? The gift of healing.

Interestingly, I feel as if I have half the gift.  I pray and sometimes believers experiences some healing, but it doesn’t “stick.” Two of my friends, both of whom experience chronic pain, ask me to pray when the pain gets intense. Frequently the pain drops significantly. Occasionally it even goes away

The next week, they might need me to pray for them again. Which I do.

But here’s one truth I clearly understand. Jesus is the one who’s touching their bodies and taking away their pain. It’s His power that heals. His healing power works through me when I pray for healing..

So He gets the glory

And sometimes people get healed.

These images come from Pixabay.com.

Resources:

Paul writes about spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians 12 and Ephesians 4:1-16.