Extraordinary You
And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” (Mark 16:17-18)
In 1540 the Portuguese king, John III requested the leader of the newly constituted Jesuit Society, Ignatius, to send missionaries for the Portuguese colonial empire in the East Indies.
Amongst those sent was an unassuming intellectual called Francis Xavier, who would go on to lead what has become one of the most impactful missionary expeditions since Paul. From Goa, on the west coast of India, his mission bore fruit across Asia, including Singapore and Japan. Xavier was effective because he was a man of great virtue, but also because he was a man of mighty deeds.
A mob of pagans once swooped upon a Christian village threatening to kill them. But the mob was put to flight when Xavier went out to meet them, accompanied by a mysterious figure whose majesty and splendor terrified the assailants.[1]
At Comorin, when the pagans would not be moved by his words, Francis prayed, pleading the blood of Jesus and then asked that a tomb which had been sealed the day before be opened. Indicating that this would be a sign of God’s approval of the gospel, he called to the body to rise. The dead man came to life, with hundreds of natives embracing the faith as a result.[2]
Once, on a voyage from Singapore to San Chan, the vessel he travelled on was stranded at sea for fourteen days and ran out of fresh water in no time. The 500 souls aboard were imperiled. Someone soon drew their attention to the priest aboard the ship, one whose power was renowned in all the East. So they approached Xavier and sought his help.
He retired into his cabin to pray, emerged a little later and asked the crew to fill the water jars with sea water. He asked them to taste it. It was salty. He blessed it and asked them to try again. This time, it was fresh. The rest of the voyage was full of wonders. A Mussulman lost his son and had him brought back to life. Several passengers aboard the ship were converted to Christianity.
Signs and wonders are an intricate part of the Christian experience. Everywhere Jesus went miracles erupted. The Apostles took the gospel from Jerusalem to Judea, Samaria and the rest of the world with power. Sick bodies were healed. Blind eyes were opened. The dead were raised. The same spirit that raised Christ from the dead was at work in them. And that same Spirit is very much at work in you.
We have this power, this treasure, in an earthen vessel, even the Spirit of God. The truth is, you have enough power in you to overcome the challenges of this natural plane; enough power to administer solutions to the problems that plague the world around you. Nothing convinces like results. To prove the efficacy of Christ, dead, resurrected and living in us, we must exemplify the supernatural life, first, through sound moral living, then through a demonstration of signs and wonders that solve the practical problems of others. This is why God has given us a measure of His Spirit. You have been born again into the supernatural. This is your heritage in Christ. And this year you will manifest.
A supernatural life means you can experience good health perpetually. You can manifest unusual skill and craftsmanship in your endeavors. You have authority over all the machinations of the devil. You have unusual insight into witty inventions and can remain one step ahead continually. There is nothing ordinary about you. The question is, do you believe? Will you make a conscious effort to walk with the Holy Spirit this year? To seek His instructions? To submit the minute details of your life to His leading? To allow the Word of God saturate your mind and build faith in your heart?
This is what it takes to live a supernatural life, and this is why 2013 will be different from any other year you have lived. Rivers of living water will flow through you. Manifestations of the supernatural will attend your every move. The Bible says, “And through the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people. And they were all with one accord in Solomon’s Porch. Yet none of the rest dared join them, but the people esteemed them highly.” (Acts 5:12-13). The supernatural will stand you out this year. I am eager to hear your testimonies. Go! Take your place in the world. Manifest the power of God. Nothing will be able to stop you this year, and always, in Jesus name!
[1] The Miracles of St. Francis Xavier, Fr. John A. Hardon, S.J.
[2] Ibid
