Consumed In Holy Fire

I think its important to know that the supernatural gifts of God are still alive today. I think it's even more important to remember that supernatural power comes from God each time in his time.

Paul, being one of the main persons used by God to proclaim the word and works of Christ was subject to the will of God in healing people supernaturally. Paul could not force Gods hand to heal every sick person. He was simply the "willing conduit" that Gods power flowed through. He did not control the supply of power but listened to the supervisor of the power company when he was command to turn on the power switch. Paul could heal when God gave him "gifts of healing". Each healing or use of his supernatural power was individualistically a gift. Paul told him the power was there each time and commanded Paul to use it. Paul obeyed.

think the American Standard Version put is best:

1 Corinthians 12:9: to another faith, in the same Spirit; and to another gifts of healings, in the one Spirit;

2 Timothy 4:20 says this:

[20] Erastus remained at Corinth, and I left Trophimus, who was ill, at Miletus.,

I feel certain Paul prayed for Trophimus to be healed. They had known each other for some years. I have no scriptural proof of Pauls prayer for Trophimus's healing but understanding that he mentioned him at the end of the letter show his concern for him. If he was concerned enough to mention him I feel sure he was concerned enough to pray for his healing while with him.

For one reason or another God chose not to "turn the power on" in Paul that day. Was it some sin or deficiency in Paul as to why he wasn't healed. Indeed not! God chose not to heal him because it wasn't his will at that moment. Was Paul discouraged? I doubt it. He had a proper prospective of the supernatural gifts and who the power came from.

PAUL HEARD GODS VOICE AS WE SHOULD! Paul knew Gods voice because he had an intimate relationship with him and he fed that relationship on a normal basis through worshiping him. Worship which included, prayer, singing, fasting, obedience, reverence and holy fear and most of allFAITH. God did not force Paul to do what he did, Paul submitted to Gods authority and power willingly because he loved God intimately and wanted to show his love for God through worship and wanted others to know God. Paul also wanted more from his relationship with God.

Is that what you want? If so the bible tells us this in Matthew 22:37-38:

[37] And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. [38] This is the great and first commandment. (Matthew 22:37-38 ESV)

I have a couple of introspective questions for you:

1. Do you have have trouble hearing Gods voice?

2. Do you have a deeply intimate relationship with God?

3. Do you want more from your relationship with God?

4. Do you worship him the way he wants to be worshiped?

5. How do you know?

Heres are some questions to ponder about Satan:

1. Do you hear Satan's voice clearly?

2. Does he care about your relationship with God?

3. Does he want more of a relationship with you?

4. Do you worship him the way he wants to be worshiped?

5. How do you know?

I pray that God will bring all of us to a point in our lives where we surrender, all the worries, troubles and fears the enemy delivers, to our heavenly father who truly delivers. Surrender to the father who loves, adores and longs for our full attention, love and adoration.

Blessings!