Chapter 13: Stages of Growth
WALKING BY FAITH & WALKING IN THE SPIRIT
There are two ways to walk with God once we’re dedicated completely to Him –1) Walking by Faith (WbyF); and 2) Walking in the Spirit (WinS). Both are valuable to our spiritual growth, and all of us require both throughout our relationship with Him.
When we first learn about the BHS experience and start praying to receive it, we begin “Walking by Faith”. This means we trust in God’s word to us even though we don’t “feel” any different. To trust Him to keep a promise just because He said He would do it and without any other signs is to manifest our faith in Him. We receive His word by finding and claiming Bible promises and by listening for the Holy Spirit’s promptings.
When we first come to Him we trust His promise to forgive us even before we feel forgiven; we trust His promise to begin changing us even before we see any big changes; and we trust His promise that He will give us the HS even before we feel the overwhelming emotions that we’ve heard others talking about. This is faith!! We find a promise which we want to claim, we check to see if we’re meeting the conditions given, and we wait knowing that God will keep His word, because a promise from Him can’t be broken.
This “WbyF” continues up to and beyond the BHS experience. That is, even after we receive the BHS we will continue to WbyF until we become able to recognize His voice clearly and until we have grown to the place where we can keep our minds focused on Him for long periods at a time. Once we’ve reached this point we are then able to start Walking in the Spirit. This is another method of communion with Him.
“Walking in the Spirit” means that you are tuned into His prompting for every situation. You hear Him guiding you in how to pray and what to request. As you pray in intercession for others, He’ll tell you how you should pray for them in order for the prayer to be most effective. As you need to make decisions for yourself, if you ask for guidance, He will help you. As you learn to start asking His desire for the big decisions you face, you’ll come to realize you want to ask Him about all the small decisions as well.
WinS is very thrilling and gratifying. But it requires further growth and is hard to maintain; at least at first. Even as you grow adept at staying in the Spirit, there will come times when you lose that connection for various reasons, and you have to switch to WbyF. So you must keep both methods of Walking with God well practiced. Losing your walk in the Spirit doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve done something wrong; it’s just that He takes us through stages, and continuing to walk in faith at times is an important part of our spiritual growth and trust in Him.
DETAILS
When talking about “Praying in Faith”, I mentioned the need to claim a Biblical promise. For those who don’t yet have much experience doing this, I’d like to give a few examples.
When you find in the Bible a promise from God to give a blessing, if you look in the immediate context of the passage, you will also find the conditions that must be met in order to claim that promise. Every promise is conditional. If the circumstances are identical to yours and if you meet the conditions, then the blessing mentioned in the promise can be claimed by you. Once you meet the stated conditions, the promised blessing is certain to be given to you.
We read in Ex 23:25, “You shall serve the Lord your God … and He will take sickness away from you.” The condition of the promise is to “serve the Lord your God”, and the promise is “He will take sickness away from you”.
We read in Ja 1:5, “If you lack wisdom, ask God … who gives generously without finding fault.” The circumstance is that you lack wisdom about a given situation, the condition is to “ask God” for wisdom to understand, the promise is that He will “give generously without finding fault”.
Another promise is in 1Jn 1:9, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful to forgive our sins.” This is very straightforward and should be claimed daily. The condition is to “confess our sins”, then we are given assurance that “He is faithful to forgive” us. The only condition listed in this promise is confession; there is no mention of penance or punishment, just confession; God does the rest for us. He may bring to us a sense of remorse to help us determine to change; but this feeling does not add to or subtract from the fact that we have already been forgiven by our confession.
When talking about “Walking in the Sprit”, I mentioned the possibility of hearing the HS speak to you and guiding your every step. Those who already have the BHS may be wondering how you can begin experiencing this. It is crucial to be able to keep your mind focused and always directed toward Him. Two things that will work against this, at least for many, are overeating and watching TV.
As for the overeating, please know that it’s not necessary to fast completely in order to hear God; although doing so is very helpful, if you can stand it. But you will also benefit if you just eat moderately or lightly, and stay away from the heavy things that you know make you groggy.
As for the TV, please know that to WinS requires mental focus; and the effect of TV is to scatter that focus. I’m sure you’ve had the experience where you tried to pray, but you found your mind wandering. First you start your prayer but your mind goes to another thought; you pull it back to your prayer, but it quickly goes to something else; and this happens again and again. This is often caused by watching TV; regardless of the show. To overcome this effect you then need to spend a couple of hours in prayer, repeatedly forcing your mind to stay on the prayer until you can maintain your focus. You may find you need to spend as much time in prayer to bring your mind back into focus as you spent watching TV in the first place. Thus if you spent two hours with the TV last night, you may need two hours of prayer today just to bring your focus back. Only after you’re able to concentrate properly, can you then start praying for the intended object of your prayer. So the easier way to stay focused is to severely limit the TV time; then you don’t have to work so hard to overcome its effects.
There are a few more details to keep in mind:
* The HS doesn’t manifest ALL of Himself within us immediately: we couldn’t take it. He comes to us only in stages as we’re able to bear it.
* The HS also doesn’t give each of us exactly the same gifts, abilities, and types of manifestations; different people receive different gits. Also, the gifts that are the same among us, He doesn’t give to each of us in the same order. This is to say, if you see someone else experiencing something you don’t have, that doesn’t mean you don’t have the HS; it means you have been given different abilities and feelings for now. So go with what you’ve got!
* Trust that you have Him already and work with the gifts you’ve been given.
RHEMA
As good as all these things are, they are not the ultimate experience. After much practice, and after you’ve grown comfortable with your relationship with God, you will find that the HS starts trying to stretch you still further and take you to an even higher level of communion.
There may come a day when you will be in prayer for someone and God will tell you to “speak in His name” to the situation for which you are praying. This is a tremendous experience, but it is beyond your ability in the beginning. However, we want you to know that there is still more to come. And even this is not the highest step on the stairs. Beyond that there are even higher things to reach — such as the Pentecost experience like the Disciples had, and working miracles like Jesus said we could do. This too is available to us, if we want to stretch that high.
Nothing is impossible for God. And He has put nothing out of our reach. He wants us to ascend to the highest reaches. The only limitations are the ones we put on ourselves. How much do you want it? Enough to give up all else but God? The choice is yours. But if this is what you want, then the possibility is there and we will do all we can to help you get it.
When the New Testament was written, it was written in Greek. (They didn’t have an “English Only” law at the time.) So when the writers wanted to write the word that we know as “word”, they could express it two different ways — “Logos” and “Rhema”. Logos refers to words that are written, words that are thought, and so on; and it also refers to Jesus Himself: “He IS the Word”. Rhema refers only to words that are spoken aloud. Put another way, Logos words are static and Rhema words are active: when they’re only thought or written they are just existing, but when they are spoken they gain meaning and power.
With this understanding of Logos and Rhema as we read verses that have “word” in them, if we know which one of the two forms was used, we may gain new insights as to what the writers really meant. For example we see the “spoken” word specified in several important verses:
He 11:3, “The world was created through Rhema.” He 1:3, “Jesus upholds all things by the Rhema of His power.” Jn 15:7, “If you abide in Me and My Rhema abides in you, you can ask what you will and it will be given to you.” Ro 10:17, “Faith comes by hearing … Rhema.” That is, faith isn’t from reading the written word, it comes by hearing God speak to you. When He gives you His Rhema, He also gives with it all the faith you need that the word will come true.
To hear God’s word to you, you must be in close communion with the Holy Spirit, all else must be quiet, and you must wait for Him to speak. Then, once He has, once He’s told you what to say, you must speak it aloud; for it is by being spoken that it becomes active and powerful.
A few more verses: Jn 6:63, “The Rhema I speak are Spirit and Life; but if you reject the Rhema, you will be judged by the Logos.” Ro 10:8, “You receive Logos which prepares you to receive Rhema.” Jn 5:47, “If you don’t believe Logos, how can you receive Rhema?” 2 Pe 3:2, “Be mindful of the Rhema which has already been spoken before: through the Scriptures, through the prophets, and so on.”
In the Rhema experience Jesus speaks His word through you; He is the Word! Jn 1:1, “In the beginning was the Word (Logos), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” Jesus speaking through you in this way is not possession; possession is Satan’s counterfeit of this experience. (Jesus gives you the option of refusing; Satan tries to take away your control.) When Jesus asks to speak through you, you retain your will such that you can resist Him if you desire; it’s just that once you’re this close to Him, you don’t wish to resist.
LEVELS OF SPIRITUAL GROWTH
The various levels of relationship with Christ have different characteristics. They are as follows.
*Usual Christianity:Expect nothing, have empty prayers, obey law, depend on self, accept defeat.
*Walking by Faith: Expect everything, have “logos”, trust in it, power and authority rest in God.
*Walking in the Spirit:Expect everything, have HS whisper, trust in it, power & authority in God.
*Living in the Spirit: Have everything, have “Rhema”, trust it, power & authority are given to us. Jn 15:7, “If you abide in Me and My “Rhema” abides in you, then you shall ask what you will and it shall be given you.”
We must get to where we ask God what His desire is for each situation particularly, even though we know His will generally. Often there’s more to a situation than we see. If we don’t have the habit of asking specifically about every particular situation, how can He trust us with His power? Therefore, we must resolve to ask His will in every situation, learn the specific method to use and any prerequisites needed, then follow His revealed will exactly. It is not that your will ceases to exist; it’s just that you determine to know His will and follow that instead of your own.
MISC POINTS
Every prayer that claims a promise is an opportunity to participate in the divine nature. The focus of claiming God’s promises should be to become fully absorbed into Christ’s divine nature. 2 Pe 1:4, “He has given us very great and precious promises, so that through these we may partake in the divine nature and escape the corruption caused by evil desires.” We have for too long overlooked the significance of this statement: It tells us that just by claiming a promise, by expressing faith that God’s word is true and believing that it will be fulfilled for us, gives us an opportunity to connect with the One who made that promise and to share in His nature. By giving us a promise He was telling us that this is something that He wants us to have. By then claiming that offered promise we are coming into possession of that which He wished to share with us. This unity of desire between God and us is a sharing of thoughts; and the culmination of the agreement between us both is a joining together of minds. Thus it is in essence a joining of natures. The more often we claim His promises, the more we touch His desire, and the more we become transformed as a result of that into His ideal for us. We should use every opportunity to claim a promise; because each one immerses us further into the divine nature. Consequently, we should refuse no request for prayer. For even if we aren’t able to pray exactly according to their request, we should still go and claim some promise on their behalf. By doing this we come further into the divine nature.
We still live in this world and have to interact with it and its people; but God keeps us safe from sinning even as we live here. Jesus went to parties with sinners, associating with them in what they were doing, partaking of what was necessary; yet without sin! Ro 8:1, “There is no condemnation for those in Christ.” Jn 17:11-12, “[Father,] They are still in the world … protect them by the power of the name You gave Me … while I was with them I protected them and kept them safe by that name You gave Me.”
Jesus said, Mt 26:41, “The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” In its original delivery, Jesus used this as a rebuke of sorts. He had asked His Disciples to pray with Him, yet they fell asleep. Jesus then said that although in their desire they were willing to do what He had asked, in their bodies they weren’t able to carry out what they wanted to do. But although this statement can be used negatively as a rebuke, it can also be used positively as a promise. We today, often find ourselves in this same situation: in our spirit we want to do what Jesus asks of us, but because of our carnal nature we cannot carry out what we hope to do. In this circumstance we can look at Mt 26:41 from a different angle and claim it as a promise. We can ask God to make our flesh weaker and weaker (our carnal nature being put to death), and to make our spirit more and more willing (to be transformed into His image). In this way His words become true in a sense that is beneficial to us: “The spirit is willing (to obey our Lord), and the flesh is weak (so it can’t prevent us from doing so). Ask that this be done for you.
We need to be absorbed into Jesus’ glory in order to be sanctified for the ministry and share in His divine nature. Jn 17:19, “For their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also might be sanctified.” This means total renunciation of our own desire, and complete submission to the Father’s leading. This is how Jesus lived while on this world. 2 Pe 1:4, “Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature.” When the Spirit is manifested within you, then you are “holy” and acting according to God’s will; thus you are partaking of the “divine nature”.
ASSUME AUTHORITY AND USE IT!
As mentioned earlier, our Faith grows in stages. The faith we need in order to see the miracles and healing we’re learning about is itself a gift from God. It’s not something we try to generate; it is given to us. However, it is only given in amounts we can accept. This is not to say that God is limiting what He will give us; He will give it as rapidly as we are able to accept. It’s we who limit how fast we get it by how rapidly or slowly we can change our way of thinking. Thus our faith is growing little by little; and as a result the improvements we’re seeing are coming only in slow stages. Jesus tells us in Mk 9:23, “If you can believe, all things are possible.” But for many of us that ability to believe comes in steps.
The following advice is directed to those who are at a particular stage of faith development; the stage that I believe most of those reading are at. In the future, after you’ve grown to where you can resurrect the dead, you may look back and say, “A few things he said weren’t quite right.” But I believe this will help you where you’re at now.
At this present stage, “Faith” is to believe the promise we’re given even before we see it proven. That is to: 1) Believe what Jesus told His Disciples; 2) Believe that it also applies to present-day disciples; and 3) Believe that we are His disciples now, and thus can claim the same promise. Jn 17:20, “I don’t pray for these [disciples] alone, but for them also [in the future] which shall believe on Me through their word.”
Jesus’ promised His disciples, us included, that He was giving them authority to speak in His name; and further, that once they received the HS, they would also be given power. Lk 9:1, “He called His twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority over all devils and to cure diseases.” Ac 1:8, “You shall receive power after the Holy Spirit comes upon you.”
Jesus was here on Earth to live as a human. So while He was here He didn’t access any of His own Godly power. He didn’t want to do anything that we can’t do. So in order to perform the miracles He did, He called on His Father’s power. This was to give us an example we could follow. We too can call on God’s power to do miracles, through the HS. Jn 14:11, “Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me.” Jn 17:21, “[I pray] that they may be one [with us], as You Father are in Me and I in You; that they may be one in us.” Likewise, upon receiving the BHS, we are in the HS and the HS is in us. By receiving the HS and His power, we are following Jesus’ example.
Once Jesus had the Father in Him, He didn’t ask the Father to do the miracles; Jesus did them; knowing that with the Father’s presence in Him He then had authority and power to do them Himself. We must believe the same! Once we have the HS within, we must ASSUME the responsibility to do the things that we see need doing. Don’t wait for further proof: Believe that you already have the authority and power you need. (By “Assume” I don’t mean it in the sense of “to guess” that you may have it; I mean it in the sense of “to take up” and possess what has been given to you.) Assume the authority and use it!
Perhaps you’re saying, “I’ve already tried, but I don’t see much happening.” Well in that case, it would seem you’re still doubting that you truly have power in you. It hinges on Faith, on knowing, that since the HS is in you, you have the right to begin calling on God’s power. He calls us Sons and Daughters; and as such we have a legitimate right! Once He’s consented to give you the HS, it’s no longer presumptuous to assume authority. He has “endorsed” you. More than this, He has told us to do it.
I expect that everyone who learns about the BHS begins fantasizing about what they will do with God’s power once they receive it; and they’re just waiting for some sign from God that He’s given them the right to do so. Perhaps you’re looking for a “mighty wind, tongues of fire, and an earthquake” to signal the arrival of His power within. But you should stop looking for these. You’ve been given a sign already — the BHS. Now believe His promise, believe the sign, and start speaking and acting in the way you’ve been planning to do once you get it, because in deed you have it already. Jn 14:12, “He that believes Me, the works I do shall he do also; and greater works …” Jn 11:40, “If you can believe, you will see the glory of God.”
PUTTING INTO PRACTICE
Now let’s put into practice what we’ve learned. You must have Faith when you speak. It does no good to speak without faith. But know that with the HS within you, you already have what you need for your words to come to pass. So assume the authority and do it. Say to yourself, “I’m not going to wait any longer for a sign from God. I’m going to believe the promise. I’m going to begin acting like I’ve dreamed of. And if I make a mistake, then it’s up to God to let me know and correct me.”
Even so, to begin with, it helps to start small. Be content to grow in steps. This way your faith won’t take a hit that may require months to recover from due to trying to stretch beyond your present level of faith. Once you’re ready to try, approach it like an experiment; then solicit the cooperation of a sympathetic friend. Don’t try to pray for someone that’s not present with you. Pray for someone you can put your hands on. Also, for your practice session, don’t pray for a condition for which you can’t see results immediately — such as selling a house or some unseen and unfelt problem. Pray for something that can be observed right away — like a pain, or a restricted movement, or depression. It could be for the BHS, or for healing, for release from pain, for freedom from fear, or for greater faith. Once you have a condition to pray for, speak directly to it. For example, “Headache, get out!” “Joint, be released; muscle be strengthened; receive complete freedom of movement.” “Depression, get out and be replaced by the Joy of the HS; the Peace I have I give to you.” “In Jesus’ name I give the BHS!” And so on.
As you speak in Faith, you will either see a result or you won’t. If you see a complete result: Praise God, and give Him the glory! If you see the beginning of a result: pray again; the results may continue advancing if you continue declaring in faith. If you don’t see any change: don’t get discouraged; remember that this is only a practice session. But do examine the situation to try to determine why nothing happened. Thus you may learn from the experience.
Possible reasons for nothing happening are: 1) You’re still wavering in your faith. 2) Some condition hasn’t been met yet. 3) You’re facing a strong demon that you don’t yet know how to overcome. 4) The person for whom you’re praying doesn’t have faith or doesn’t really want to change. Also be aware that (usually) long-established conditions take longer to dislodge, while recently acquired problems tend to go out quickly. (Something that’s been there 20 years is ‘established’; something there only weeks or months is ‘recently acquired’.)
Be aware that afflictions have different sources. Some problems are the result of demons. Once the demon is gone the problem clears up. And the demon goes out once he knows you can overcome him. Some problems are only organic. That is, they are the result of some natural disease or injury to the body. These heal pretty quickly if there is no other factor involved. Some problems are emotional. These require that the underlying psychological issue also be identified and addressed as well as the physical symptom. They also require the patient’s cooperation, in that they need to “let go” of the problem. This is sometimes hard for them.
Regarding demons: Little ones go out pretty easy. They leave once they see that you “know” you have authority over them. (If you’re unsure, though, they won’t go.) Big demons are more of a challenge. They require “the 3 P’s”: Practice, Preparation, and Persistence. Practice builds our faith as we see continued results. Preparation is to fast and pray to build our faith, purity, and spiritual strength. Persistence is to not give up in the face of a stubborn demon.
Also regarding demons, don’t be afraid or embarrassed to hear that you have a demon affecting you. It happens to all of us. Satan sends them to “keep down” those who have a chance of growing up into strong warriors against him. So actually in a sense, it’s something to be proud of. It’s Satan recognizing your potential against him, and his working against it. Now you just need to recognize your potential for yourself.
Sometimes you’ll succeed and sometimes fail. Study the details of each incident and pray for enlightenment. God will guide you until you know what to do for consistent victory. Believe the promise that Authority and Power are already within you. You don’t need any more proof to begin than the proof you’ve already been given — the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.
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