Gifts of the Spirit: Miracles and Healing

Working of Miracles—1 Corinthians 12:28 says “then miracles”.  When we think of

Jesus performed miracles

miracles the first miracles that usually come to mind are those of Jesus.  These miracles proved his power and that He was the son of God.  However, other miracles were also performed throughout the Bible such as Elijah and Elisha raising from the dead, Daniel in the lions den, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the furnace, Peter and John healing, Philip casting out demons, and Paul healing the sick and raising the dead to life.

Miracles are explained as “The performance of deeds beyond ordinary human ability by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Healing/Gifts of Healing—1 Corinthians 12:9 says “and to another gifts of healings” and

Jesus healing someone demon possessed

verse 28 says, “then gifts of healings”. This is described as, “The ability to supernaturally minister healing to others. The plural indicates the variety of sickness healed and the many forms the gift takes, such as healing by anointing with oil, by the laying on of hands, by saying the name of Jesus or by the sign of the cross.”

Again, we primarily think of Jesus healing, but many of the prophets and disciples and apostles also provided healing.  Many over the centuries have called themselves healers and strived for prominence, but while some may have had this true gift many have proven to be fakes and deceivers.

Intercession—Romans 8:26-27 says “but the Spirit himself maketh intercession

the Holy Spirit intercedes for us

for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.”  Intercession or intercessory prayer “is the act of praying on behalf of others.”

We often hear of friends with a health crisis and people in need.  If you are like me, all you have to do is scroll through your Facebook feed.  There are many in need that we can lift up through intercessory prayer.

There are many passages about intercessory prayer, but here are a few:

• “Because the Lord God did not find anyone to “stand in the gap,” to intercede for the land, He was requited to pour out the judgment due its disobedience.”                     Ezekiel 22:30-31
• “Moses’ intercession for the people of God, in pleading with the Lord for mercy, held back the hand of God from consuming the nation in His wrath.”  Exodus 32:7-14
• “Because “prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God,” Peter’s
  

  When do you turn to God in prayer?

  “chains fell off from his hands,” “the iron gate … opened to them of its own accord,” and he was led out of the prison by an angel of God!”         Acts 12:5-12

• “ And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore his own arm brought salvation unto him; and his righteousness, it upheld him.” Isaiah 59:16

When we intercede for others in prayer we never know what difference we may be making in the life of others.

Faith—1 Corinthians 12:9 says “to another faith”.  “This refers to that strong or special faith “which removes mountains, casts out devils (Matthew 17:19-20), and faces the most cruel martyrdom without flinching”. It is distinguished from the “saving” and “normal” Christian faith.”

What are you waiting for?

There are over 70 verses about having faith.  Here are just a few:

• “But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.” James 1:6
• “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” John 1:12
• ““Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.” Mark 10:52
• “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” Mark 11:24
• “Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?”” John 11:40
• “I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I have set my heart on your laws.” Psalm 119:30

Faith is believing in God, asking of Him, and trusting with all our heart He will answer our

Have you been faithful to God?

prayers.

Even today we can still see God work miracles and heal others.   Our faith and intercessory prayers make a huge difference and we never know when these prayers and faith bring about the healing and miracles we need.

Regardless of what is going on in our lives, we can have faith, seek God, lift others up in prayer and ask for intercessory prayers when we are in need.  These are all qualities we can strive to learn and grow in, even if they are not our spiritual gifts.

Do any of these spiritual gifts relate to you?

*Definitions taken from the Foundations of Pentecostal Theology

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