Words of Encouragement

We could see the mountains in the backdrop of the landscape.  What a wonderful sight.

He called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out evil[a] spirits and to heal every disease and sickness - Matthew 10:1

Discipleship. Bestows Power. I was once joking with someone (but yet I was serious) about the power of the disciples. What I said to this person was, I have not laid hands on anyone and they rose from the dead, so Jesus' got some more work to do in me.

What I was saying is this.  The scripture plainly states what Jesus was doing to his disciples.  He was giving them power and authority to drive out evil spirits, to heal diseases and sickness.  Now I believe there are individuals with the gift of healing.  Yet I also believe this scripture speaks to the ability of disciples to have the power of God in their lives.

We should be able to pray, fast and seek God to pray for those sick in sin and he change them.  We should be able to pray for individuals that have sickness in their body and they get well.

I think this is a scary thing for many to believe they can pray for someone and it really happen.  That is why I believe Jesus continually showed his disciples first what he could do so they could believe they would be able to do it likewise. I am radical enough to believe if Jesus said I can have power to pray and the sick get well, then I will continue to believe that is what he can do.

I had the opportunity to pray for someone that was bothered in their mind with voices.  When I was first asked to pray, I will admit fear first gripped me.  I said, I can't do that, who should we call?  God spoke to me and said, you call on me.  I am the power you need.  So that is what was done.  I later got a praise report from the person that as soon as I laid my hands on her and prayed, the voices went away and have not come back.

That is praises to our God that he is able to do in us what he first showed capable through his Son.  So today you and I as disciples of Christ can gain understanding and wisdom on how to follow after God.  We can grow through our storms that following Jesus will bring.  We can experience the miracles that others miss because they refuse to step out of the comfort zone.  We can have the power and authority of God because we belong to him.

Lord today we say thank you for this covenant relationship that brings us many benefits, protection and stability.  So when you go to worship this week, go seeking from God how you can be a stronger disciple for Christ.