Guy Duininck: What “answers” to What?
What “answers” to What?
One important aspect of Spiritual Understanding is to know what provision of God answers to which need a person has and what solution of wisdom from God answers to which problem a person is facing.
For example, Faith is for moving mountains, for stopping fiery darts, and for receiving promises. Love is for dealing with people and is the most excellent motivation for all ministry. Strengthening Grace is for empowerment to stand firm and strong times of testing. Patience is for holding steadfast in difficult circumstances. The Anointing of the Holy Spirit is to uniquely empower for dynamic ministry.
If we lack Spiritual Understanding in these things, we might try to use Faith to change a person’s life. Or we might expect Grace to change our circumstances. Or we might try to resist temptation with a special Anointing. Or we might try to Love a hindering mountain.
We cannot ignorantly substitute one thing for another in spiritual matters and expect a good outcome. Rather, we must know both what our Spiritual Provisions are and know what they “answer to.” Faith “answers” to mountains. Love “answers” to people. Strengthening Grace “answers” to difficult circumstances.
“Be filled with the knowledge of His will, in all wisdom and Spiritual Understanding...” Colossians 1:9
