spiritual gifts: power gifts, part two, healing and miracles
In our previous discussions, we’ve delved into the significance and nature of spiritual gifts. Today, we focus on two powerful gifts that demonstrate God’s active presence: healing and miracles. These gifts serve as vital tools for continuing the ministry of Jesus, bringing the kingdom of God into the present and revealing His love, mercy, and power.
Why Spiritual Gifts?
Spiritual gifts are crucial for several reasons:
- They are a guaranteed source of power for continuing the ministry of Jesus.
- They are given to all followers of Jesus at salvation and grow over time.
- They need to be actively stirred and used to be effective.
Paul reminds us in 2 Timothy 1:6 to “fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you.” This implies that these gifts, while given, require our active participation and desire to be fully realized, especially those that build up the church.
Power Gifts
Power gifts, such as prophecy, wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, discerning spirits, tongues, and interpretation of tongues, manifest the power and reality of God. When these gifts are active, God’s presence is undeniable. As 1 Corinthians 12:7-11 explains, these gifts are distributed by the Spirit for the common good, each demonstrating a different aspect of God’s power.
1. Healing
The gift of healing is about releasing God’s power to restore health. It brings a foretaste of the future kingdom, where all tears will be wiped away and suffering will cease (Revelation 21:3-5). However, there are two extremes to avoid:
- Believing that the gift of healing died out with the apostles.
- Expecting that everyone should be healed all the time.
We should pray and believe for healing, acknowledging that God is sovereign and His will is paramount. Jesus healed many, but not all, during His ministry, showing that God’s purposes vary in different situations.
How to Recognize the Gift of Healing
You may have the gift of healing if:
- You have a strong desire to see people healed.
- You are willing to be used by God in this way.
- You sense God’s power and believe He wants to heal.
- You recognize that God is the healer, not you.
This gift often works in conjunction with faith, as seen in James 5:14-16 and Mark 5:25-34. Sometimes that faith is with the person praying, at other times with the person being prayed for and can even been with a third party, as with the friends in Mark 2:5 “When Jesus saw their faith.”
Those with this gift should pray expectantly, knowing that God uses them to bring His healing power into the present.
2. Miraculous Powers (Miracles)
Miracles are distinct from healing, though they sometimes overlap. A miracle is an event that changes the course of nature or confronts and defeats demonic power. Examples include:
- People surviving when they should have died.
- Restoration from severe illness or injury without medical explanation.
- Casting out demons and raising the dead.
Miracles serve to show God’s love and mercy and authenticate the gospel. Hebrews 2:3-4 states that God testifies to salvation with signs, wonders, and miracles. Miracles also set free those under demonic influence, as seen in Acts 8:5-8 and Acts 16:16-18.
Embracing Spiritual Gifts
Spiritual gifts like healing and miracles remind us that divine action is possible here and now. They are the primary means by which Jesus builds His church and brings His kingdom into our lives today. If you feel stirred by these gifts, seek God earnestly, talk to your church leaders, and start praying for people. God’s power is available, and He chooses to work through us to bring healing, restoration, and miracles.
In the words of Jesus, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you” (John 20:21-22). We are sent to continue His ministry, empowered by the Holy Spirit, to bring His kingdom into our broken world.
Further resources
as Church, we have been doing a series of messages based on spiritual gifts in which there is much more content than in these blog posts. I will post a link to our YouTube page when you can access all these messages via a playlist. The messages often include, examples and testimonies including dramatic healing and miracle stories of spiritual gifts operating today.
Paul Benger 