Being Used God's Way

Lately, the Holy Spirit has been impressing upon me four things:

1. Speak what I hear the Father saying (John 12: 50).

2. Do what I see the Father doing (John 5: 19).

This is how Jesus lived and they are absolutely necessary -- I believe -- for all believers. If we do the first three, then we can’t help but to always please Him. But, it takes living by faith to do these things --  “Without faith it is impossible to please Him” (Hebrews 11: 6). And sometimes, the evidence of our faith does not give the results we’re looking for, but it does produce results nonetheless. This truth was made evident to me on a recent trip to Mexico.

About two years ago, I was preparing to minister to a new church plant in the southern part of Mexico. While praying about what to share, the Lord spoke saying, “I want to demonstrate My Power.” Now, I’ve prayed for people in Mexico before, but only after I preached, but that’s not what He wanted me to do  this time. I knew what He meant -- no preaching, but to only pray for the sick and hurting. I did so by faith. I prayed for everyone there that day -- approximately 25 to 30 people. However, there was no evidence of anyone receiving a healing, no testimonies of healing --- nothing. I left there confused. I heard from the Lord. I was obedient. I stepped out on faith, but I saw no results. To add insult to injury, when my wife and I were there recently the missionary over the work there didn’t even remember me coming two years ago … humbling. I told my wife that I must have made a real impression that day!

Later, as we talked with the missionary couple, they told us about a man in another village who was miraculously healed of a malignant tumor on his back. As a result of this miracle many in that village have become believers and a church has been planted in his home. They also said that many people in another village are no longer hurting in their backs, knees and shoulders when they work or do their chores [this is the same village I ministered in two years ago]. This missionary couple is now seeing a demonstration of His power as they minister His Word and pray for the sick. Although I didn’t see the results I expected two years ago, the Holy Spirit showed me that I was used to open the door for an anointing to heal that continues to this day. Praise God!

“Do what God says to do. Endeavor to be faithful, no matter what happens or comes. And leave the results to God …”    Kenneth Hagin.

Pastor Rick