Manifestations of Spiritual Gifts
I have recently been involved in a "study" (it seemed more a debate and I withdrew for the moment) regarding the gifts/sign-gifts of the Apostles and how they may or may not be valid today. Since withdrawing from that study, I have found much support in scripture to the validity of "miracles" today. Just this morning in 1 Cor where Paul discussed his "thorn" spoke of God's will to heal or not. My understanding has been that healing, along with other signs and gifts is still valid today, but, as with anything of God, is according to his will, and not only of our faith. Paul had faith, to the degree that God took him to the third heaven. Some have tried to pursuade me that all signs, miracles, etc., ended with the apostles.
My request to any who read this is, how are we to respond to those who have been taught and attempt to adhere to these teachings? I say attempt because of the double-speak I experienced, while putting forth scripture to validate that God can, will, and does desire to give healing (other than spiritual via salvation) to some for the purpose of demonstrating his power to the end of the age. I know He has healed today because He has healed or "delivered" me from many affictions, as well as others who have testified. It is on that basis that I stand firm.
Miracles
Dear-
You have indeed suffered so much. God has blessed you because you have been tested and have not lost faith. This is grace that He has given you. Would that many wished they could be so favored.
I always recommend to keep close to your heart the beatitudes (sermon on the mount)
Matthew 5:1-12
When he saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him.
He began to teach them, saying:
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land.
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you (falsely) because of me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven. Thus they persecuted the prophets who were before you".
This always brings me comfort and gives me strength. I've been tested quite a bit, especially lately and even when I feel low and overwhelmed (as I did today) I read this and it brings me back.
I always do, believe or not, honestly thank the Lord for this burden, because it brought me to my knees and closer to Him. It always has a purpose - maybe not for you specifically but for someone around you. (You could have inspired someone to the faith, for example) It always has a reason.
I know that many times, I would get upset and ask just what it is that I have done wrong to get all this? Answer is: nothing.
It is His will, we accept, we ask for His blessing to be able to carry on and when we really reflect (need to be objective and get emotions out of it) we will see the value or reason why. Not right away- may take years but it is there. I think we all suffer sooner or later, some have larger degrees of it than others. He will never give more than one can handle- trick is how one handles it. That is where faith comes in and I like how you stated not to frustrate the work of God. I will keep that in mind.
May the Lord continue to bless you and make your path smooth and the burden lighter.
Yours in Christ,
Maria