This week we have been reading about some of the most amazing miracles in the whole Bible. They weren't even done by Jesus but by men that were downbeat and disowning him just a short while earlier. Their change of attitude has to be as big an authentication of the truth of the power of the risen Jesus and the Holy Spirit as the miracles themselves.
I was listening to a talk by Kenny Borthwick the other day, and he was wondering why we don't see so many healings and miracles in Britain today. As a young convert Kenny was told these miracles don't happen anymore, but he doubted that. There are plenty of reported miraculous things happening in poor countries where people are aware they need God's help. I wonder if the reason is partly because we rely on modern medicine, so don't call on God the same?
Surely the Holy Spirit is given, as the creed says, to "make Christ known in the world". Kenny's challenge to us was to go on seeking the empowering of the Holy Spirit in our lives, not being content with uttering a few words in tongues, or relying on equipping ourselves to make Christ known. Equipping ourselves with teaching and techniques can never replace the empowering of God, as every renewal movement has starting with a move of the Holy Spirit.
My most powerful encounter with God was twenty years ago, whilst alone in my college room. I had the most amazing sense of the presence of God that it felt like I was in heaven. I was left with tears running down my cheeks at God's amazing love. God was there beyond shadow of a doubt. I wonder though if I have failed to push on through to seek the Spirit's empowering for sharing my Faith.
Kenny revealed that he sought the Holy Spirit for a long time without success. He had to go through the humiliation of standing in a meeting with people falling around him, but being unaffected by the Spirit himself. It wasn't until crying out in desperation to a friend for his need that wave upon wave of blessing came. How much do we want this blessing of the Holy Spirit? Are we willing to risk humiliation?
Kenny says he is a shy man, often finding it difficult to pass the time of day with people, yet knows the anointing of God when he comes to speak. I identified with his shyness.
What could God do through me if I let him? What could he do through you?
Jon Seaton
Read the Bible in a year: Proverbs 15: 1-10, 1 Kings 2:13-3:15, Acts 11:19-12:19a
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