When the power comes

1 Sam 10:6 "The Spirit of the Lord will come upon you in power, and you will prophesy with them; and you will be changed into a different person. Once these signs are fulfilled do whatever your hand finds to do, for God is with you."

This prophetic word to Saul shows a number of things. First, the fact that the word came to Saul who later fell out of favor with God because of his disobedience is a warning to all of us who want to be used of God. We must never assume that the callings of God are without condition. God always calls his children to obedience. Secondly, there is the plain meaning of the verse- that the impartation of the Spirit (whether it be a new impartation or an increase in the anointing) is followed by radical personal change. Some have preached that this cannot help but happen but I believe that this too, is a part of our cooperation with the Lord. We are his partners in the spreading of the Gospel. Finally, there is a freedom that comes with the anointing- a confidence that allows us to make decisions freely without seeking God over every minor detail. This, too, is subject to the presence and anointing of God. But when you are in the flow of the Spirit- you will know that there is no further certainty about this situation to be gained by prayer. Stepping out in the decision is all that there is left for this moment. And God's abiding presence is ever more present with us than with Saul son of Kish. Jesus will never leave us or forsake us.

As we enter the year we do so under the prophetic mandate to 1) be circumspect and persons of integrity; 2) to recieve the change in our very person that God wants us to be in; 3) and to walk in the confidence that comes with the anointing to our calling.