God's Anointing: Gifts of the Spirit
- Sandra Lynn Chamberlain
- Dec 28, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Jan 11
Embracing God's anointing and gifts of the Spirit amidst skepticism and finding strength and resilience in faith
"There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines." 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NIV
Throughout my life, I have encountered an overwhelming amount of ridicule and skepticism, primarily stemming from the profound differences that set me apart from those around me, as well as the unique gifts of the spirit that were bestowed upon me through God's anointing. It has been a perplexing journey, marked by a deep desire for understanding and acceptance. The very individuals I turned to for guidance—those whom I thought would provide wisdom and support regarding these extraordinary and captivating abilities—were often the same ones who undermined my efforts to comprehend and harness them.
This contradiction was particularly disheartening, especially considering that these were individuals who professed to uphold the teachings of the Holy Bible, which they regarded as the infallible word of God. They all seemed to lead lives that outwardly reflected a commitment to its principles and frequently asserted their devotion to Yeshua (Jesus). Ironically, it was these same individuals who resorted to labeling my gifts as manifestations of Satan’s influence and the workings of demonic forces. This often left me in a state of confusion and dismay, grappling with the dissonance between their beliefs and their responses to my experiences.
In my quest for understanding, I continually sought counsel from numerous pastors, preachers, and teachers across a wide spectrum of denominations within the Christian faith. I approached them all with an open heart, hoping to engage in meaningful discussions about my gifts and to find a community of like-minded individuals who experienced similar phenomena. Unfortunately, my efforts were often met with disbelief, skepticism, and at times, outright hostility. Instead of finding affirmation and support, I frequently encountered accusations questioning the source of my abilities. I was repeatedly led to doubt myself, as some individuals convinced me that these gifts might indeed be the result of evil influences, urging me to renounce them and seek God’s forgiveness and restoration.
The pressure to conform to other people's expectations and beliefs was intense, leaving me feeling isolated and misunderstood. Yet, despite the overwhelming external pressure and the voices of doubt that surrounded me, I always held a steadfast conviction deep within my soul: my gifts are not derived from malevolent forces, but rather from God, the Creator who fashioned me with intention and love. It is this unwavering belief that has sustained me through the trials of skepticism and ridicule, guiding me to embrace my unique spiritual journey with resilience and faith.
As I grew older, these disheartening encounters with others led me to seek answers from a multitude of sources, expanding my horizons and conducting in-depth research that ventured far beyond the familiar boundaries of my Christian upbringing. I found myself yearning for knowledge and understanding that transcended the teachings I had received, prompting me to explore various philosophies, spiritual practices, and belief systems. As I embarked on this journey of discovery, I prayed fervently and earnestly sought guidance from God, asking for clarity and strength to navigate the uncharted waters that lay beyond the realms of my comfort zone. I felt an inner calling to delve into the unknown, to confront the uncertainties that had long lingered in my mind.
To my surprise, I encountered numerous individuals along this path, seemingly through divine alignment, who were pivotal in my quest for understanding. These encounters were not mere coincidences; they felt orchestrated by a higher power, guiding me toward people who not only accepted my unique gifts and the diverse experiences I had undergone but also provided invaluable insights, wisdom, and even opportunities to utilize the gifts that God gave me. Each interaction became a pathway, revealing new perspectives and offering me additional pieces to the intricate puzzle that I was desperately trying to assemble.
As I continued to seek knowledge and wisdom, I found that the more I opened myself to the unknown, the more I was rewarded with insights that resonated deeply within me. Each new piece of information, every story shared, and each lesson learned contributed to a greater understanding of myself and my gifts. I realized that this journey was not just about finding answers; it was about the transformative process of exploration itself, which led me to a richer, more profound relationship with my spirituality and an ever-evolving understanding of the divine presence in my life.
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