Manifestations of God

The Open Door Tacoma #1
Many people have observed the revival in Lakeland Florida. I have been hearing comments made by people who have something to say about the manifestations of healing and move of God that has captured so much attention. I count it a privilege to have attended a genuine move of God in the form of a revival in Toronto. I would like to make a few comments of my own regarding the manifestations of God that attend the services like those that are being experienced in Lakeland.
I have not attended these Lakeland services. I have heard reports from trusted sources that say that the manifestations of healing that are taking place are real. Caution: We should not be critical of things that we don’t fully understand.
Romans 8:33
33 Who shall bring a charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies.

The word is very clear. It is not our position to judge other ministries. Throughout the Bible we read stories of God’s power and manifestations that are so difficult to comprehend with our natural mind. These manifestations are not natural. They are indeed supernatural. Who of us can wrap our brain around the supernatural power of God? When you consider God’s power what do we expect to see? Moses was cautioned not to look on God’s face because the raw power of God’s countenance would kill him. We can’t see electricity, though we see what it does, we can’t see the wind yet we see what it can do. We can’t see God but it doesn’t make Him any less powerful.
How do you see God’s power? What do you expect to see when the Holy Spirit shows up with power? I personally believe that God’s power is supposed to get our attention. If nothing happens out of the ordinary how do you give credit to God for something “Supernatural?” Healing, Raising of the dead, or parting the sea are all manifestations that get our attention. We give very little pause the scripture explaining events that surrounded the tomb were Jesus was buried. A guard of Roma solders where swept off their feet and rendered unconscious at the appearance of an angel of the Lord. That’s power in the Glory of the Lord that was present with the angels. Why is it so hard to imagine the power of God showing up in a service where the focus is on seeking God and His presents? Yes! People fall down under the power of God. We shouldn’t be so surprised. Perhaps we should be surprised when these things don’t happen.

Let’s take the next step. Should we focus on the manifestation or should we focus on the life of the person who has been touched by the power of God. I believe we are pursuing the wrong thing if all we seek is the goose bumps or being knocked off of our feet. The real story is found in the lives of those who have been forever changed as a result of their encounter with God. People get healed of life threatening conditions and are never the same. People turn their lives around to serve the Lord as never before. I have not only witnessed these things in the lives of others I have personal experience. I know what it is to be “Blasted” by the presents of God, knocked down, turned around, anointed and raised up speaking in an unknown language. The objective is not in the manifestation. The objective is in the ways that God will use you once His Hand has come upon you, and turned your attention to His will.

Consider a common application of electricity in the form of a printing press. The printing press is an in-adamant object serving no great purpose until electricity surges through its components and brings it to life. Once charged and properly fed it will produce a wide range of documents that, by their content could change the world. If man can produce a life changing machine, couldn’t God change lives by adding His power to His creation that can change the world. And what are we focused on? Are we focused on the power, the manifestation of moving parts in a machine, or that which is produced by the machine? If you follow this logic you will look past the manifestations and look to the results. Are lives changed, is Christ in the middle of the changes, and do we see unmistakable fruit in the lives of those who have had a firsthand experience with God?

I cannot allow myself to rush to judgment of other ministries. Especially when I spend so much time seeking the presents of God and wanting revival to break out here in the NW. We need to strip ourselves of the critical spirit and expect to see the “Supper” in supernatural. Brace ourselves for a movement of God, look past the manifestations, and receive the fullness of God that He promises.
Be blessed in the fullness of God’s promises.
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