One morning while on my way to work I had a very refreshing conversation with a very good friend. This woman is in my circle of ‘irons’ who sharpen me, like the verse in Proverbs 27 that says, “As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.”  Well, over the past week I have been contemplating the implication of being anointed. I’ve been trying to understand why and how someone could have the anointing pour out of her life and minister to others, yet never experience the outpouring of that anointing in her own life to meet her own needs. 

I’ve seen it so many times where someone is referred to as having ‘the oil’ all over them, yet that person’s personal life doesn’t manifest what ‘the oil’ represents. No, I’m not talking about cooking or using too much hair or skin products, the oil that I am referring to is the Holy Spirit as described throughout scripture (for further study Google ‘symbols of the Holy Spirit’).

Matthew 9:1-8; 20-22 and 27-29 are a few instances in scripture where Jesus notes that a person’s request was answered positively because of their faith. Faith is the basis of Christianity, as stated in Romans 1: 17 (paraphrased), ‘the belief that we are righteous in God’s sight is achieved completely by faith …the righteous life is based on faith.’ So what does faith have to do with a person’s anointing flowing into her own life? Here’s what Jesus said in Matthew 9:29, “… According to your faith be it done unto you.”  

Our discussion centered on the fact that as Christians we are limited by the level of our faith.  Others can be blessed by your anointing because of their faith, while your lack of faith, or the limits you put on the possibilities of what God can do, can block you from being a beneficiary of your own anointing.  For example, your upbringing or other life experiences may have taught you that poverty is equivalent to a humble lifestyle, with no flashy jewelry or cars, a tiny home and hand me down clothing. 

You may look with scord at a wealthy Christian who’s a flashy showoff, but subconsciously envy her because although she doesn’t display humility as you define it, she does lead the comfortable lifestyle that you would like to have. Well, your belief system sets limits on your faith and thus limits your blessing. So even though the anointing is present (to break every yoke and release the blessing of God upon your life, to cause every need to be met and every burden to be lifted), your lack of faith caused by faulty beliefs literally blocks all that ‘good stuff’ from happening. Remember the blind men in Matthew 9:27-29, they were healed because of their faith; when they answered yes to Christ’s question, “Do you believe I can make you see?” he replied “Because of your faith, it will happen.” So although Christ the anointed one was present, without faith the two men would have remained blind. 

So,  if you are full of the anointing but not receiving the benefit of it while all those who come around you seem to be blessed and prosperous, perhaps you need to increase your faith.  Examine your belief system to see where the holes are. I also admonish you to pray and ask God to reveal exactly what is impeding your faith and ask him for wisdom and direction to implement processes and connect with people that will facilitate the growth of your faith.

Originally Published on Thursday, July 14, 2011