Romans 1:20 (English Standard Version)

For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.

While having lunch with my accountability partner the waitress recognized me and revealed herself as being a neighbor from my past. Her words cut me to the quick. “Why didn’t you tell me about Jesus back then?”

My answer was honest about that time. “You were a minor with a mother that hated me and I did not have the right to violate parental control.”

What wasn’t said might have been true but would not have been comforting to either of us at that moment. Her appointed time had not yet come.

God knows best how to receive His own.

Matthew 10:14

And if anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet when you leave that house or town.

Her mother would not receive me nor listen to my words. It was not my place to overthrow her house.

In the end, God found the minor child and received her after a life to repent. The devil would try and blame me for not spreading the gospel that would fall on deaf ears. While this is true it is also true the minor child saw that I was a man of God from afar or otherwise how would she have known to ask me that question at the restaurant?

Our testimony is as much the life we live as the words we share.

Satan would like to blame us for missed opportunities. Don’t allow it.

God knows their appointed time.

Matthew 7:22-23 English Standard Version

22 On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ 23 And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’

God wields the power in unauthorized works. Obviously God performed the works, but why?

Galatians 6:7 A. Do not be deceived: God is not mocked

When those that claimed the power of God proclaimed the name of Jesus, God used His power according to His will for those who needed to receive the blessing that would come by believing in Jesus Christ. God did not do it for those that claimed the power, God did it to protect the name of His Son.

Over the decades some have gained notoriety in healing ministries which gathered many needing a miracle from God. What began as a healing ministry became fame for the healer which overshadowed glory to God. Those that gained widespread media support became celebrities and like Simon the Magician eventually the intentions of the heart was exposed. Those who began with earnest intentions were rolled up in the media with those who defrauded the public with evil intentions. Suddenly no one trusted faith healers.

Now comes God’s greatest gift to each and every faithful believer. Anyone can be used by God to lay hands on others to reveal that the power of God is still here today to bless His people.

Some have laid hands on others who needed healing, not to show that they had a healing ministry but rather to show the will of God is to use any servant that is available at the appointed time.

Never discard the possibility that God is able to do what He wills with His children. He just might do it through you to prove He can. Just remember that glory belongs to God.