Cultivating the Supernatural

In our Christian journey, we often find ourselves navigating the complex terrain of utilising our God-given talents while simultaneously depending on the Holy Spirit's guidance. As the apostle Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 12:4-6, "There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all."

While it is essential to cultivate and employ the skills and abilities bestowed upon us by our Creator, we must remain vigilant not to place our trust solely in these gifts. Proverbs 3:5-6 instructs us to "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths."

As we grow in our respective fields and attain levels of excellence, it becomes increasingly challenging to discern whether our achievements are a result of our own efforts or the work of the Holy Spirit within us. This is where the importance of yielding our talents to God comes into play. Like a master potter moulding clay, we must allow ourselves to be shaped and guided by the Lord's hands, recognising that our abilities are merely tools in His divine plan.

The story of Gideon in Judges 7 serves as a powerful reminder of how God can use seemingly insignificant resources to accomplish great feats. When faced with the daunting task of defeating the Midianites, Gideon initially gathered an army of 32,000 men. However, God instructed him to reduce his forces to a mere 300, ensuring that the victory would be attributed to divine intervention rather than human strength.

Similarly, we must learn to wait upon the Lord and listen for His voice before taking action. As Isaiah 40:31 promises, "But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint." By cultivating a posture of patience and attentiveness, we position ourselves to receive God's direction and avoid the pitfalls of relying solely on our own understanding.

Moreover, it is crucial to recognise that our talents and gifts are not meant for personal gain or glory, but rather for the edification of the Body of Christ and the advancement of God's Kingdom. As 1 Peter 4:10 reminds us, "As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God."

So then, the key to navigating the delicate balance between relying on God's Spirit and utilising our gifts lies in maintaining a humble and yielded heart. By continuously seeking the Lord's guidance, waiting upon His direction, and employing our abilities for His glory, we can experience the supernatural power of God working through us. As we do so, we will witness the truth of Philippians 4:13, which declares, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

Cultivating the Supernatural

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