I heard an evangelist relate a story about a dairy farmer in Minnesota. The farmer’s dairy herd’s milk production had fallen so drastically that he faced financial ruin. Various tests were done on the cows, but nothing changed. Finally, he fasted and sought the Lord.
One morning he had his answer.
With the cows in their milking stalls, he walked in front of them with his Bible in hand. “Listen up cows,” he said. “The Bible says in Genesis that God gave authority over cattle to us humans. Since the Word says it, I believe it. Thus, anything which hinders this God-ordained relationship between you cows and me is leaving here today.”
He then walked over to each cow, laid his hands on the cow, and commanded the evil spirits to leave each one. When he finished, he milked them.
Sounds ridiculous, right?
The milk production went up to its former levels that particular morning. In the days afterward, his herd achieved record levels.
For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another [different] kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. (1 Corinthians 12: 8-10)
The gift of discerning of spirits – or distinguishing of spirits in some versions – is the supernatural gift powered by the Holy Spirit which allows believers to tap into the spirit realm and know what’s happening. The gift perceives both demonic and angelic activity, and then gives spiritual insight on what to do.
Sadly, if there is one gift lacking in the Body of Christ, it is this particular gift.
Many think they have this gift, but invariably, most rely on their physical senses, attempting to figure things out. Yet, that’s not how the gift of discerning of spirits works. You see, when this supernatural gift is operating in an individual, that person knows. Period. No guesswork or presumptions are ever needed.
“If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!” (Luke 11:13)
How do you receive this gift? Just ask for it in faith.
(Continued in Part 14)
Thank you , Mr. Larry. I’m asking! (yep, in the front row with my hand up again.
) God bless you!
p.s. I keep meaning to email you something. You’d left a comment about asking God to send you out to people. As I prayed, I think He shared with me that He will be sending people to you instead.
Debbie,
Thanks. My email server will be awaiting your news.
Discernment is a very rare gift indeed. And needed. Especially in the days to come.
jjmurph,
Thanks. You are so right. We all need it now.
I loooooove this post!
kingintraining,
Thanks for stopping by. God bless you.