Tap into His anointing

Do you ever wonder what it is that draws the presence of the Holy Spirit in your life? Is there anything you can do to tap into His anointing?

One night, I was ministering at a midweek service. The Holy Spirit had been moving mightily in this service for several weeks. But this particular night, the anointing was so rich and deep it was almost tangible. Then behind me, I sensed the presence of more than one angelic being. And I knew God was watching over His Word and His children, hovering in our midst, touching minds, hearts, and bodies.

What draws the anointing?

All I wanted was more of His presence. So, when I got home, I asked Him, “What is it that draws your anointing in my life?” He answered with one word . . . kindness.

And I understood. Kindness is a powerful force. It’s what He uses to lead us to repentance.

Do you have contempt for God, who is very kind to you, puts up with you, and deals patiently with you? Don’t you realize that it is God’s kindness that is trying to lead you to him and change the way you think and act?
(Rom. 2:4*)

I have been tenderhearted since I was a child. I was always drawn to those who were unloved, unpopular, and overlooked. And God was saying that when I give that gift away, when I’m caring and compassionate toward people, He will be very near.  

Watch for the opposites

But here’s what’s interesting. For many years, I battled a tendency to be sarcastic. It’s not much of an issue now, but it used to be a weapon I used often. And sarcasm is the exact opposite of kindness! In fact, the word sarcasm comes from the ancient Greek sarkázein, which meant “to tear flesh.” Ouch!

And here’s why this is important for you. Wherever you find your greatest gifting, you’ll also find your greatest weakness. Are you called to worship, to display vertical intimacy with God? Then you may be tempted to wrap your passion into horizontal intimacy, that is, sexual sin with the wrong people. Are you called to minister gifts of healing? Then you may be fighting chronic illness.

You see, the enemy watches you and understands how you’re wired by God. And you can be sure he’ll work at cross-purposes to whatever gifts God has given you. Knowing this should not discourage you. In fact, it should give you great confidence. For if what God has put in you is powerful enough for the enemy to fight, it must be powerful indeed!

Paul told his Timothy, “For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control” (2 Tim. 1:5-7).

Fan the flame

You need not fear the enemy working against your gifts. You have been given power, love, and the self-control you need to conquer the attack. Don’t back down! Fan the flame of the gifts you’ve been given! Stir them up! Share them with someone! That’s what draws the presence of the Holy Spirit in your life.

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Jesus gives us the gift of the Holy Spirit, yet when the Spirit comes, He is loaded with packages! He desires to release much more in us and through us than we could ever imagine. These gifts are given for delivery, not for accumulation. We receive them to pass them on to others.

Jack W. Hayford

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*GOD’S WORD® is a copyrighted work of God’s Word to the Nations. © 1995 by God’s Word to the Nations. All rights reserved.