How to Know When to Use the Power to Heal and Cast Out Demons and Whether You Have It

1. How to Know If You Have the Power

Scripture Reference: 1 Corinthians 12:4-11; Acts 2:38; Romans 12:6-8

Explanation:The power to heal and cast out demons is given by the Holy Spirit and is considered a spiritual gift. Not every believer will have the same gifts, but every believer is equipped with some gifts for the purpose of building up the body of Christ and advancing God’s kingdom. Here’s how to discern whether you have this particular power:

Spiritual Gifts from the Holy Spirit:

Variety of Gifts: In 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, Paul explains that there are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. Gifts such as healing and miracles are mentioned as part of the manifestations of the Spirit. The key is that these gifts are given as the Holy Spirit wills, not based on human desire.

Personal Experience and Confirmation: If you consistently feel led by the Holy Spirit to pray for healing or engage in deliverance, and if you see results—people being healed or delivered—this could be an indication that the Holy Spirit has gifted you in this area. Often, others in the Christian community will recognize and affirm these gifts in you.

Confirmation through the Church:

Community Recognition: The local church community can be a valuable source of confirmation. If your church leaders and fellow believers recognize and affirm your ability to heal or cast out demons, this is a strong indication that you have these gifts. The church plays a role in helping individuals identify and develop their spiritual gifts (1 Timothy 4:14).

Fruit of the Spirit: Spiritual gifts should be accompanied by the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). If your life displays love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, it’s more likely that your spiritual gifts are being used rightly and under the Holy Spirit’s influence.

Inner Conviction and Desire:

God-Given Desire: If you have a strong, persistent desire to see people healed or delivered from spiritual oppression, and this desire is rooted in compassion and a desire to glorify God, it could be a sign that God has equipped you for this ministry. This desire often aligns with a sense of calling, where you feel compelled to step into situations where healing or deliverance is needed (Romans 12:6-8).

Confirmation in Prayer: Spend time in prayer asking God to reveal your spiritual gifts. God is faithful to give wisdom and clarity when we seek Him with a sincere heart (James 1:5). He may confirm your gifting through Scripture, personal revelation, or prophetic words from others.

2. How to Know When to Use the Power

Scripture Reference: John 5:19-20; Acts 16:6-10; 1 Corinthians 14:33

Explanation:Knowing when to use the power to heal and cast out demons requires discernment, sensitivity to the Holy Spirit, and wisdom. Here are key ways to discern when to act:

Guidance from the Holy Spirit:

Follow the Spirit’s Leading: Jesus set an example by doing only what He saw the Father doing (John 5:19-20). Similarly, believers should seek to be led by the Holy Spirit in every situation. The Spirit may prompt you to pray for healing or cast out a demon through an inner conviction, a strong sense of urgency, or even a direct word during prayer.

Peace and Clarity: When the Holy Spirit is leading you to act, there will often be a sense of peace and clarity, even in the face of challenging situations (1 Corinthians 14:33). If you feel confused, anxious, or pressured, it may be wise to pause and seek further confirmation from God before proceeding.

Circumstantial Indicators:

Urgent Needs: Sometimes, the circumstances themselves can indicate the need to act. If someone is clearly suffering from illness or spiritual oppression and asks for prayer, this is a strong indicator that you should step in and pray for healing or deliverance (James 5:14-16).

Requests for Prayer: When people specifically request prayer for healing or deliverance, this can be a sign that God is prompting you to use your gifts. Be sensitive to the needs of others and open to how God might use you in those moments.

Confirmation through Scripture and Prayer:

Scriptural Alignment: Ensure that the situation aligns with biblical principles. For example, you should always seek healing or deliverance in ways that honor God and respect the dignity of the person involved (Colossians 3:17). If you sense the Spirit leading you to act, confirm it through Scripture.

Prayerful Discernment: Before taking action, especially in complex or serious situations, take time to pray and ask God for specific guidance. This could involve asking God to show you the right time, place, and method to use your gifts (Philippians 4:6-7).

Openness to the Will of God:

God’s Sovereign Will: Recognize that not every situation will result in immediate healing or deliverance, as these outcomes are ultimately subject to God’s sovereign will. Be open to the possibility that God may have a different plan, such as teaching patience, deepening faith, or bringing healing through other means (2 Corinthians 12:7-10).

Humility and Submission: Approach each situation with humility, acknowledging that the power comes from God, not from you. Be willing to submit to God’s will, even if it means waiting, seeking additional prayer support, or leaving the outcome in God’s hands (1 Peter 5:6).

Confirmations through Circumstances:

Repeated Promptings: If you consistently feel the Holy Spirit prompting you to pray for someone’s healing or deliverance, especially if it’s confirmed by others or through circumstances, this is a strong indication that you should act.

Open Doors: Sometimes, God will open doors that make it clear when and where to use your gifts. This could be through an invitation to minister, a spontaneous encounter, or a direct request from someone in need (Revelation 3:8).

Summary

The power to heal and cast out demons is a spiritual gift given by the Holy Spirit and should be exercised with discernment, humility, and alignment with God’s will. To know whether you have this power, look for confirmation through personal experience, affirmation from your church community, and a deep, God-given desire to minister in this way.

To know when to use this power:

Seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit, ensuring that you act according to God’s leading.

Pay attention to circumstantial indicators, such as urgent needs or specific requests for prayer.

Confirm your actions through Scripture and prayer, and be open to God’s sovereign will in each situation.

By staying closely connected to God, grounded in His Word, and sensitive to the Holy Spirit, you can effectively and responsibly use the power to heal and cast out demons when the need arises.