Everything that you would ever desire in this world that has any kind of value will cost you a high price. Whether it is a house, car, yacht, jet or whatever you are hoping to obtain someday, it will cost a great price—especially if it’s of top quality.
Some of us have been fortunate to obtain such valuable possessions through inheritance, the generosity of others or simply hard work. Whatever the case may be, how we achieved these prized possessions often determines the value that we place on them. In the spiritual arena, the greatest achievement is to operate in the hundred-fold anointing of God. It is a precious commodity that can be very costly!
In today’s society, a higher cost of something is often associated with a greater quality. Such differentiation in the price and quality is seen in the sale of automobiles. For instance, the cost of a Toyota Corolla is drastically different from that of a Mercedes-Benz. Definitely this difference has to do with manufacturing requirements, scarcity of parts, and imaging of the vehicle.
As it is in the natural, so it is in the spiritual: A greater anointing often demands a greater price. According to Jesus, “For unto whosoever much is given, of him shall much be required” (Luke 12:48, KJV). Those who are called to a greater anointing will pay a greater price; and at the end of the day, it will all be worth it.
Those who will carry this anointing, because of its costliness, must put their trust and confidence in God. It is God, who has begun the good work, and He will see it through to its completion. Oftentimes it is not the stress of the achievement but simply our inability to endure and trust God to bring to pass that which He has promised. The apostle Paul put it best when He said, “Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it” (1 Thes. 5:24). Paul did not say God might do it, but God will do it. Are you willing to pay the price?
David was a mere shepherd boy when God anointed him with a kingly anointing. If you would recall, David was out in the fields when Samuel the prophet came on an assignment to anoint a king (see 1 Samuel 16:1-13). We can glean some important points from this anointing ceremony.
Firstly, what God has ordained for us to have, we shall have as long as we stay in position. No matter who shows up or how physically fit our opponents may appear in men’s eyes, at the end of the day, God is still God. Secondly, God does not make mistakes; the brothers looked more suited for kingship because of their outward appearance but God looked inwardly for a pure heart. Thirdly, a physical anointing does not mandate a speedy course to the palace or the task assigned (David was anointed but not appointed until years later).
The carriers of such anointing must use it wisely, not for popularity or to gain riches or power. In many instances the carriers of the anointing evolve from humble beginnings and the longevity of the anointing rests upon the carrier’s ability to remain humble. Pride is a weapon of mass destruction when placed alongside the anointing. God declared through His eagle-eyed prophet Isaiah: “I am the Lord; that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images” (Is. 42:8). Hence, the anointing of God is designed merely to equip us for service to others and to bring total glory to God.
Many persons refuse to operate in their call of God due to a lack of confidence in themselves and their abilities. Well, once God has called us we can be sure that He will equip us. The anointing will qualify the unqualified.
When I was first called into ministry, I hardly knew how to pray—much less preach a sermon. But the more the anointing began to flow in my life, the more skilled I became. As I look back over the years, I realize that it could only have been the grace (unmerited favor) of God that instructed, qualified and sealed me for ministry. Remember, what God calls for, He will provide for.
We must trust God to do the work in and through us. When we look only at our gifting, then sure we are bound to fail. But when we look to the all-knowing, all-sufficient God, then victory will be the final deal. God has a supernatural anointing with your name on it. This anointing will equip you to help usher in the end-time harvest. Are you willing to pay the price for it?
Adapted from Paying the Price by Reno I. Johnson, copyright 2013, published by Creation House. Are you willing to pay the price to guard the super natural anointing God has placed on your life? This book will help you see that the suffering and opposition you face are not in vain, but will strengthen you to be used by God to minister to the hurting and bring an end-time harvest of souls into the kingdom. To order your copy, click here.
Prayer Power for the Week of 9/16/2013
This week thank God for the supernatural anointing He has on your life and for your part in ushering in the end-time harvest. Surrender your will to His and thank Him for the grace (enabling power) to endure the trials He will use to refine and strengthen you. Tell Him that you know you aren’t qualified in yourself and would fail without His anointing, but that you trust Him to work in and through you to accomplish His purpose. Continue to pray for the Middle East, especially Israel and Syria. Pray that our leaders would seek the Lord for wisdom and guidance in making decisions that affect our nation and the world. 1 Thes. 5:24; Luke 12:48; Phil. 2:13
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