According to an online definition, a “word of knowledge” is:
“a definite conviction, impression, or knowing that comes to you in a similitude (a mental picture), a dream, through a vision, or by a Scripture that is quickened to you. It is supernatural insight or understanding of circumstances, situations, problems, or a body of facts by revelation; that is, without assistance by any human resource but solely by divine aid.”
This past month in Thailand, I’ve been trying to focus on operating in this gift, which is listed in 1 Corinthians 12:8, more frequently. I believe it is accessible to many believers if they choose to pursue it. It does take time and mistakes to hone it a bit. In order to work on it, I decided to start going on some “treasure hunts” with God. Before going out, I’ve been praying for guidance as to who I should speak to. During the first week in Thailand, I prayed and heard that I was meant to talk to a man from Spain. I made a note of it on my phone and went out to walk around the city of Chiang Mai where we’ve been situated for the past few weeks. The first people I spoke to were walking out of a Buddhist temple and I quickly discovered that they were from Spain! They were a married couple and the husband had a health issue with his liver. I showed him the note on my phone about how God had highlighted to me that I was meant to talk to a man from Spain. He was amazed and gratefully received prayer for his liver. It wasn’t a pain-related problem, so it’s not possible to gauge whether or not he got healed, but he was so moved by the “word of knowledge” which made him lovingly aware of being conspicuous on God’s radar.
The following week, I prayed one morning and made the following note on my phone: “Someone from Missouri needs to know God loves them.” I didn’t see that person that day, but the following morning, I went out to talk and pray with people and the first person I felt inspired to speak to was a guy wearing a Grateful Dead t-shirt. I asked him where he was from and he replied, “Missouri.” I then pulled out my phone and showed him the note from the previous day. We both had a moment of staring at each other in awe and then I told him clearly, “God loves you, brother.” We ended up having a great chat after that. He’s been on a similar path to the one I was on before Jesus with meditation and Eastern philosophy. I was able to let him know that Jesus promises freedom from the wheel of birth and rebirth which is common to Buddhism, Hinduism, and New Age spirituality. He’s a really wonderful brother and I’m grateful for our new friendship. God is beyond good!
