Let me ask you something: Would the world look any different tomorrow based on the prayers you’re praying today?
That question hit me hard this morning as I was preparing to talk about spiritual gifts. Because the truth is that the gifts of the Spirit aren’t some mystical, ancient concept reserved for super-spiritual people. They’re practical tools that God has given every single believer to transform relationships, families, and communities.
But somewhere along the way, many of us stopped believing that. We’ve gotten comfortable playing it safe.
The Problem with Playing It Safe
I get it. The gift of healing has been exploited by charlatans and showmen. We’ve all seen the televangelists with their theatrics and empty promises. So we’ve swung the pendulum the other way and convinced ourselves that miracles don’t happen anymore.
But remember, Jesus didn’t heal people for show. He healed them because when the blind see and the lame walk, people pay attention to the message of freedom and eternal life. Healing broke through the clutter then, and it does the same thing today.
The reality is messy, though. Not everyone we pray for gets healed. Sometimes we pray fervently for someone and still attend their funeral months later. Other times, doctors can’t explain the miraculous recoveries we witness.
Our job isn’t to guarantee results. Our job is to be faithful.
What Happens When We Stop Limiting God
The gift of miracles kicks in right where our human strength ends. Jesus promised in John 14:12-13 that those who have faith in him would do what he’s been doing … and even greater things.
That should mess with our comfort zones a little bit.
When’s the last time you prayed for something that could only happen if God showed up? When’s the last time you asked boldly for his kingdom to come and his will to be done on earth as it is in heaven?
Because what we do reveals who we are. If you truly believe you carry God’s presence, you’ll pray for miracles in situations only God can fix.
The Gift That Could Save Your Marriage
Now let’s talk about prophecy, perhaps the most misunderstood gift of all. Most people think it’s about predicting the end times or delivering doom and gloom messages. But look at what Paul says in 1 Corinthians 14:3: “Everyone who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort.”
Here’s a challenge that could revolutionize your marriage: What if every word you spoke to your spouse for the next six months were strengthening, encouraging, and comforting?
Think about it. Intimacy would return. Friendship would deepen. The power of life-giving words would transform your relationship from the ground up.
That’s prophecy in action! Bringing life back into every relationship.
The Gift You Need Most as a Parent
If you have kids, you need the gift of distinguishing between spirits more than you realize. Every morning, you should be asking God: “Help me recognize whether the Holy Spirit or something else is influencing my children today.”
Can you tell the difference between the anointing of the Holy Spirit and mere hype? Between genuine spiritual power and charisma? Between divine influence and demonic deception?
The enemy is crafty. He knows how to hide behind things that look good on the surface. But spiritual discernment gives you X-ray vision to see what’s really going on and protect your family from harmful influences.
The Idols Hiding in Plain Sight
Here’s where it gets personal. Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 12:2 that before we knew Christ, we were “somehow or other influenced and led astray to mute idols.”
Modern idols don’t look evil. In fact, they’re usually attractive things that subtly pull us away from Jesus. And here’s the kicker: anything that doesn’t draw you toward Christ is pulling you away from him.
So let me ask you:
- What has captured your imagination, passion, and zeal?
- What are you feeding your appetites with each day?
- What do you care most about?
If you’re feeding yourself with God’s presence, his Word, and community with other believers, you’ll grow spiritually. But if other things are taking priority, they may have become idols without your even realizing it.
Your Next Move
This week, I want you to pray this simple but powerful prayer every day: “Lord, give me eyes to see, ears to hear, a mind to understand, and a heart to believe.”
Then put these gifts into practice:
Healing: Don’t let past disappointments stop you. Be faithful in praying for the sick whenever you have the opportunity.
Miracles: Identify one area where you’ve exhausted your human strength and specifically ask God to intervene supernaturally.
Prophecy: Commit to speaking only words that strengthen, encourage, and comfort to your family members this week.
Discernment: Pay attention to what’s influencing you and your loved ones. Ask God to help you distinguish between divine and harmful influences.
The Bottom Line
These gifts aren’t reserved for special people or special occasions. They’re given to every believer for the common good. As you step out in faith to use them, you’ll see God work in ways that transform not only your life but the world around you.
So stop playing it safe. The world needs what God has placed inside you.
The question is: Will you use it?
I’m asking myself the same question today, too.
I love being your pastor—
Brady