“There His power was hidden” (Hab. 3:4 NKJ).
The original King James Version of this verse reads: “…there was the hiding of his power.” This passage describes a potency not visible to the human eye. It is a power that is not for public display, a power kept from the view of the mass of society.
Many believers long and pray for a ministry of the miraculous. Our world needs ministries that are accompanied by the supernatural evidences of miracles, signs and wonders.
However, there is a danger in seeking these things.
Unconsciously, prayers for manifest power usually imply huge crowds of people, amazing results, large offerings, great publicity, worldwide recognition and popularity.
It seems that generally all of that “goes with the territory.” Meet the needs of people, and they will come running. We see it in Jesus’ ministry. He healed people, and the result was that multitudes followed Him.
But this verse declares that God also has a hidden power. That sobering fact causes us to ask ourselves some important questions about our motives in seeking divine power: Would I be willing to have God’s power, and yet work behind a cloak of anonymity?
Would I still seek a deliverance ministry if I knew it would mean spending the rest of my life in a mud hut in the jungle? Do I seek signs and wonders because they have become synonymous with “successful ministry?” Should miracle power ever be equated with popularity and fame?
Let us seek the “power gifts” for one reason only – not to magnify ourselves, but to bring glory to God by meeting human needs. Seeing God’s power at work, whether conspicuously or inconspicuously, is reward enough!
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Dick Mills was ordained at The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel in 1949. He and his wife Betty traveled as evangelists all over the United States, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, Europe, and Australia. Dick and Betty are now home in heaven.
In 1966 Dick and Betty became a part of the then-emerging Charismatic Renewal. Passing through all denominational barriers, Dick has had the opportunity to speak in thousands of churches of varied backgrounds all over the world.
He ministered within several Christian organizations, including the Full Gospel Business Men, Women's Aglow, Inter-church Renewal Catholic Pentecostals, mainline Charismatic groups, CBN and TBN television networks, and many other independent Christian TV stations.
Dick appeared on numerous radio talk shows, written several magazine articles, and spoke at many Bible conferences and universities. He served as an adjunct professor at six Schools of the Bible and Seminaries.
In addition, Dick authored and co-authored several books and tapes. Dick's ministry was characterized by the unique gifts God has blessed him with. His services informed, enlightened, and motivated people to a higher level of commitment to God.