Mark 16:17-18 – “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.”

As we come into the final days before the return of Jesus, there will be an increase in signs and wonders, along with a tendency within the body of Christ to follow after, and be intrigued by these signs. Jesus said, “These signs and wonders will follow those who believe.” But the problem is, that believers are following after the signs and wonders. There’s a big difference. Miracles do not produce faith. Only the Word produces faith. “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:17. Jesus gave His disciples a promise of divine power and protection. The context seems to be referring to the apostles. In order to establish the credibility of their message, they needed to be able to perform miracles. Yet, as we continue to read in the New Testament, miracles became less prominent and living out the principles of the faith became more important. The greatest sign God can give to your friends or co-workers, is the sign of your changed life that was transformed by the love of God through Christ Jesus.

Challenge:

God has empowered you, by His Holy Spirit, to do wonderful works in His name. He wants you to be a living testimony of just how much God can do in the heart and life of any human being. This week your challenge is to let the Holy Spirit work through you and display His grace and mercy in your life. Show them how the Lord restored your love for your spouse. Tell them about how God brought your wayward child back into your family. Share how your heart has changed for the lost in this world that are living apart from God and how He is using you to share with them about the love of the Lord. You see, many of the signs that Jesus is talking about in this verse are for others… Casting out demons, speaking in a tongue and laying hands on someone to heal them. This is what the world is in desperate need of today, so let’s make a point to be used in that way this week. This is the lifestyle that Jesus wants you to be living, not just a one time experience. God bless you.