How can I operate in the supernatural with biblical references?

Operating in the supernatural is a topic that captivates many believers and seekers alike. The Bible is rich with accounts of miracles, signs, and wonders performed by God, Jesus Christ, and the apostles. As a non-denominational Christian pastor, I believe it's essential to approach this subject with a balanced understanding of Scripture, faith, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Let's explore how you can operate in the supernatural with biblical references.

First and foremost, it's important to recognize that the supernatural is not about human ability but about God's power working through us. Jesus Himself said in John 14:12, "Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father." This promise indicates that believers have access to the same power that Jesus operated in during His earthly ministry.

Faith as the Foundation

Faith is the cornerstone of operating in the supernatural. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as "confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." Throughout the Gospels, Jesus emphasized the importance of faith in performing miracles. In Matthew 17:20, He said, "Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."

Faith is not merely intellectual assent but a deep, abiding trust in God's character and promises. It involves believing that God is who He says He is and that He will do what He has promised. This kind of faith comes from a close, personal relationship with God, nurtured through prayer, worship, and the study of His Word.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is the source of supernatural power for believers. After His resurrection, Jesus instructed His disciples to wait for the Holy Spirit, saying in Acts 1:8, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." The book of Acts is filled with accounts of the apostles performing miracles through the power of the Holy Spirit.

To operate in the supernatural, it is crucial to be filled with the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 5:18 exhorts believers to "be filled with the Spirit." This involves yielding to the Holy Spirit's guidance and allowing Him to work through us. The gifts of the Spirit, listed in 1 Corinthians 12:8-10, include wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miraculous powers, prophecy, discernment of spirits, speaking in tongues, and interpretation of tongues. These gifts are given for the common good and are essential for operating in the supernatural.

Prayer and Fasting

Prayer and fasting are powerful spiritual disciplines that can enhance our ability to operate in the supernatural. Jesus often withdrew to solitary places to pray (Luke 5:16), and He taught His disciples about the importance of persistent prayer (Luke 18:1-8). In Matthew 17:21, Jesus explained that some miracles require both prayer and fasting, saying, "But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting."

Prayer aligns our hearts with God's will and opens the door for His power to flow through us. Fasting, on the other hand, helps us to deny our flesh and focus more intently on spiritual matters. Together, prayer and fasting create an environment where the supernatural can manifest more readily.

Obedience and Holiness

Living a life of obedience and holiness is essential for operating in the supernatural. In John 15:7, Jesus said, "If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you." Remaining in Christ involves obeying His commands and living according to His teachings. Holiness, or being set apart for God's purposes, is also crucial. Hebrews 12:14 instructs believers to "make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord."

Obedience and holiness create a fertile ground for God's power to work through us. When we are living in alignment with God's will, we are more likely to see His supernatural power manifest in our lives.

Authority in Christ

Believers have been given authority in Christ to operate in the supernatural. In Luke 10:19, Jesus told His disciples, "I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you." This authority is not based on our own merit but on our identity in Christ.

Understanding and exercising this authority is key to operating in the supernatural. When we pray for healing, deliverance, or other miracles, we do so in the name of Jesus, acknowledging that it is His power and authority at work, not ours. Mark 16:17-18 records Jesus' promise that "these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well."

Love and Compassion

Love and compassion are the driving forces behind the supernatural works of God. Jesus was often moved with compassion before performing miracles. In Matthew 14:14, we read, "When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick." Similarly, in John 11:35, Jesus wept before raising Lazarus from the dead, showing His deep compassion for those who were mourning.

Operating in the supernatural is not about seeking power for its own sake but about demonstrating God's love and compassion to a hurting world. When our motives are rooted in love, we are more likely to see God's power manifest in miraculous ways.

Biblical Examples

The Bible provides numerous examples of individuals who operated in the supernatural. Elijah and Elisha performed many miracles, including raising the dead and multiplying food (1 Kings 17:22; 2 Kings 4:34-35). The apostles performed signs and wonders, such as healing the sick and casting out demons (Acts 5:12-16). These examples serve as encouragement and inspiration for us to believe that God can work through us in similar ways.

Seeking God's Will

Finally, it is important to seek God's will in all things. Not every situation will result in a miraculous outcome, and it is crucial to submit to God's sovereignty. Jesus Himself prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, "Yet not as I will, but as you will" (Matthew 26:39). Trusting in God's wisdom and timing is essential when seeking to operate in the supernatural.

Conclusion

Operating in the supernatural is a journey of faith, dependence on the Holy Spirit, and alignment with God's will. By cultivating a deep relationship with God, living a life of obedience and holiness, and exercising the authority we have in Christ, we can become vessels through which God's miraculous power flows. As we do so, we must always remember that the ultimate purpose of the supernatural is to glorify God and demonstrate His love and compassion to the world.

May you be encouraged and empowered to step out in faith, trusting that the same God who worked miracles through Jesus and the apostles is still at work today, ready to do great things through you.