IS ADHERANCE TO THE LAW ROBBING US OF BELIEF IN THE SUPERNATURAL?
In the last two weeks, I’ve had several conversations with intercessors and spiritual watchmen who are each describing a level of disillusionment and discouragement. Given this season of examination concerning prophecy and the spiritual gifts, faith is being shaken concerning what is real and what is not. As biblical standards are being highlighted and words are being tested, there is a growing desire for integrity, but also a rising fear of getting things wrong. In our desire to get things right, we mustn’t allow the sins and abuses of others to weaken our own faith in a supernatural God.
“But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called ‘today,’ that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.” (Hebrews 3:13)
I have noted before that God is using His teachers to bring some needed correction to the Body of Christ. And though I’ve been personally encouraged to see some well-known mainline teachers address some of the problems in the prophetic movement, I have also seen a growing unbelief creep into the conversations. In an effort to adhere to the letter of the law, I am praying that the Spirit of the law will not wane.
“For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.” (2 Corinthians 3:6)
I greatly value biblical integrity and believe that God’s Word is the written standard for all life and conduct – including spiritual gifts and the miraculous. But I also believe that any correction or reproof that the Word of God brings will produce life and a deeper hunger for spiritual realities. And it should stir even greater faith for things unseen. Jesus, the Living Word, demonstrated the reality of an unseen Kingdom that could only be accessed through faith. He clarified the blueprint for godliness and character, but also challenged greater faith for things humanly impossible. The things Jesus did defied logic, as well as human understanding. He didn’t have to prove Himself or defend His actions, because the fruit spoke for itself. It was the Word of God, both lived and spoken, that brough the dead to life and made the impossible – possible.
Even as we examine the operation of spiritual gifts and bring some needed reforms, let’s also remind ourselves that there is an unseen realm that no one will never be able to explain or proof text. Even as compromised vessels and counterfeit gifts are being exposed, let’s not stop believing for signs and wonders that may make our heads spin, but cause our faith to grow. The whole point of this cleansing is to make way for greater things – not less. The ways and means of God are not merely written words, but spiritual realities with power.
“And my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.” (1 Corinthians 2:4-5)
