It’s a mysterious word, anointing. But an anointing, simply put, is God’s power at work in and through you. The best description I can give of the anointing is this: God’s grace, strength, ability, and power to do what he has called you to do. His anointing empowers you to be all that he’s called you to be. Not only does his anointing empower you to use your gifts, but it empowers you to get through any trial you may face.
Each of us will have times when we don’t feel anointed to do what God has called us to do, but that’s when we must trust God’s Word beyond our feelings.
I will never forget the first time my father asked me to preach for him while he was away traveling. This was in 1985. Our church had about four thousand people, and this would be the first time I stood in my dad’s place. He had big shoes to fill. I felt like people were expecting a lot and that they were curious, too, wondering, Is she any good at speaking? Can a girl do what her dad is a pro at doing? I was so nervous.
So I prepared and studied. I knew I wanted to speak on the armor of God and how we are equipped for every trial in life, whatever we face.
That Sunday, even though I had prepared and studied my heart out, that first minute and a half behind the pulpit, I didn’t feel so equipped at all. I struggled. My legs were shaking and my voice was quivering as I clung closely to the pulpit and my notes. In a moment of desperation, I took a slight step back from the pulpit and in my heart said, God, I need your help!
What happened to me next is hard to describe. For years I didn’t share this story with anyone because it is so personal. But now I realize that what God did for me is a picture of what he does for each of his children.
When I stepped back from the pulpit, all of a sudden it was as if I was out of my body looking down and watching myself preach. I saw myself struggling for the right words to say, and then I saw and felt something almost invisible, yet tangible, come down from above and onto me. I know it sounds strange, but at that moment I knew that God was allowing me to see that he had anointed me and equipped me for the job to which he called me. I felt a powerful sense, like God reached down and wrapped me in his grace and a huge mantle.
When I stepped back up to the pulpit, I sensed a definite difference. I had a boldness and confidence that I didn’t have before. I felt more secure, more sure:I can do this. I knew God was with me! I understood that I was anointed.
You, too, are anointed.
Jesus said the Holy Spirit is our helper, and we can trust him to empower us in our time of need. That’s how God wants us to live-fully dependent on the Holy Spirit in every area of our lives. The Holy Spirit will guide us, teach us, lead us, pray through us, and empower us.
Excerpt from You Are Made For More
