As we continue on this series, today we will take a look at the gift of faith. The gift of faith is not the same as the measure of faith mentioned in Romans 12:2. That faith is given to everyone.
The gift of faith is a special supernatural faith operating through a believer that is for a specific purpose or mission. It is not the possession of the believer but a gift of the Holy Spirit.
I believe the Holy Spirit sustained some mighty servants of God by exercising this gift through them. Men like John G. Lake, Charles Finney, Oral Roberts and Lester Sumrall are examples. I’m sure there are many others. They went beyond their ability and refused to waiver or quit when faced with immense challenges.
As an example, I will use the Ministry of John G. Lake. During an epidemic of the bubonic plague in Africa multitudes were dying. A British physician told Lake that he would have to be inoculated or he would die. Lake told the physician to take some of the highly infectious virus and place it in his hand and then place his hand under a microscope and see what happened. If the virus lived, Lake said he would receive the inoculation. The physician agreed and when he examined the virus, it died. Lake had no doubt that the hand of God was protecting him as he buried many that fell victim to the plague.
Oral Roberts started with nothing but a word from God. God used him mightily and before it was over a university was built as well as a tremendous hospital. Lester Sumrall ministered in over 100 countries of the world without ever receiving a salary. How could it be? These men relied on God as their source and protector without reservation. They simply believed what the Word of God says. They knew what God said and they refused to doubt.
What about Elijah, Elisha, Noah, Abraham and Daniel. They were not super men; they were serving a supernatural God. Their faith was in Jehovah, not their ability. God’s word says He will supply our needs (Philippians. 4:19). These servants of God as well as many others needed the supernatural power of God to see them through what God had called them to do. They needed something special and that something special was the gift of faith. God has not changed and neither has His word. He is not a respecter of persons but is very intent on accomplishing His purpose and for that He uses unqualified men who know that it’s going to take God to get it done. They diligently obey the leading of God and God gets the glory. Read Ephesians 1:6, 12 and 14.
Maranatha!