By Dick VanHuss

Show me a sign.  Prove it.  I don’t believe unless I see God do something miraculous. It’s not just the people you meet who demand signs, people have been demanding a sign since before Jesus walked on earth. ⁴⁸ Then Jesus said to him, “Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will by no means believe.” John 4:48.  The Pharisees also asked for signs in Matthew 16:1 and Mark 8:11-12, yet there were signs all around them. Technically they wanted to see a sign in the heavens, not miracles on earth.

As the Holy Spirit enables us and gives to us spiritual gifts, the miraculous should be available to be demonstrated in our lives. 1Corinthians 12 says it this way, ⁴ There are different kinds of gifts. But it is the same Holy Spirit Who gives them. ⁵ There are different kinds of work to be done for Him. But the work is for the same Lord. ⁶ There are different ways of doing His work. But it is the same God who uses all these ways in all people. ⁷ The Holy Spirit works in each person in one way or another for the good of all. ⁸ One person is given the gift of teaching words of wisdom. Another person is given the gift of teaching what he has learned and knows. These gifts are by the same Holy Spirit. ⁹ One person receives the gift of faith. Another person receives the gifts of healing. These gifts are given by the same Holy Spirit. ¹⁰ One person is given the gift of doing powerful works. Another person is given the gift of speaking God’s Word. Another person is given the gift of telling the difference between the Holy Spirit and false spirits. Another person is given the gift of speaking in special sounds. Another person is given the gift of telling what these special sounds mean. ¹¹ But it is the same Holy Spirit, the Spirit of God, Who does all these things. He gives to each person as He wants to give. If we operate in these gifts, there will be enough signs to prove to anyone looking that Jesus is Lord!

Keep in mind, the primary purpose of these gifts is to point people to Jesus, not to have a spiritual show and tell or play games.  Signs are to bring souls into the kingdom of God.  So while we desire the signs, we should never lose sight of the purpose of the signs.

Prayer: Jesus, thank you for the promise of spiritual gifts provided through the Holy Spirit that allow us to see signs and wonders. Please use us to perform those signs in a way that will draw people to you, not us.  May we always be focused on the souls of people who need you.

Questions to think about.

• Do you tend to believe more when you see signs and wonders?
• Have you ever asked God to use you in spiritual gifts so it will help point others to Jesus?
• What spiritual gifts (if any) has the Holy Spirit given to you to minister and what was the result?