Signs of an Anointed Person: Understanding God’s Call and Purpose
Have you ever wondered if God has anointed you for a special purpose or calling? Signs of an Anointed Person: Many followers of Christ ponder this at some point in their faith journey. Feeling a nudge from the Holy Spirit or sensing God leading you in a certain direction are “signs of an anointed person.”
But what does it mean to be anointed? And what are the indicators that God has set you apart for Kingdom work? This article explores the biblical concept of anointing, shares key signs to look for, and debunks common myths. Read on whether you feel God stirring within you or simply want to understand this important topic!
What Does “Anointed” Mean?
In scripture, “anointed” refers to consecrating someone or something for God’s work by pouring oil over them. This act symbolized blessing, authority, and God’s presence enabling the person to fulfill their purpose.
Anointing in the Old Testament
In the Old Testament, prophets, priests, and kings were anointed with literal oil when they were set apart by God for leadership over the nation of Israel.
For example:
- Samuel anointed Saul and David to be kings over Israel when God chose them to lead.
- God told Elijah to anoint Elisha as a prophet in his place.
So in the Old Testament, anointing was often a literal ritual performed on those serving in official leadership offices.
Anointing in the New Testament
The New Testament speaks of anointing in more spiritual terms. Jesus was anointed by God at his baptism to fulfill his purpose as Savior of the world.
And all who put their faith in Christ are anointed by God’s Spirit:
“He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come” (2 Corinthians 1:21-22).
So in the New Testament, anointing applies to all believers and speaks primarily of the Holy Spirit’s empowering presence in our lives.
Signs God Has Anointed You for His Purpose
Wondering if God has anointed you? Here are 5 key signs:
You Feel Stirrings in Your Spirit Confirming God’s Call
God’s Spirit within you will affirm His purpose and direction for your life. An anointed person senses the Holy Spirit leading, prompting, and guiding them to step out for the Kingdom. They feel unusually passionate about specific areas of ministry or service.
You See God Opening Doors of Opportunity
When God anoints someone, open doors often follow. Divine appointments, helpful resources, and supportive people come alongside to affirm the calling and enable it to advance.
You Have Spiritual Gifts Connected to Your Purpose
Gifts of the Holy Spirit such as teaching, leadership, discernment, or evangelism indicate areas God has anointed you to serve in. Lean into gifts God has given you as clues to your purpose.
You Bear Spiritual Fruit as You Walk in Obedience
As you obey God’s call, you’ll exhibit love, joy, peace, and other Spirit-empowered character traits. This Christlike fruit is a sign you’re walking in sync with God’s anointing.
You Experience Breakthrough Whenever You Declare God’s Promises by Faith
Jesus said if we have faith like a mustard seed, we can move mountains (Matthew 17:20). An anointed believer wields breakthrough authority when they declare God’s Word aloud in any circumstance. Lives change whenever you decree Kingdom promises by faith!
Now that you understand key indicators, let’s explore 5 common myths about anointing.
5 Myths About Being Anointed
Myth 1: Only Pastors and Ministers Can Be Anointed
False! Scripture shows how God anointed prophets, kings, and average people for His work. If you follow Jesus, you carry His authority and anointing within you through the Holy Spirit.
Myth 2: The Anointed Never Struggle or Fail
Not true! Think of David who was anointed as king years before it came to pass. He went through wilderness seasons and major failures beforehand. All of God’s heroes struggled at times. The key is getting back up and finishing your race when you stumble.
Myth 3: You’ll Automatically Know You’re Anointed
It’s often a journey of discovery. As you walk with God, pieces of your purpose unfold over time. What you do know is that if He’s placed a passion in your heart or given you talents, He wants to use them! Move forward in faith.
Myth 4: You Have to Be Perfect to Be Anointed
God doesn’t call the equipped; He equips the called! You need only be surrendered to God and depend on His grace. He partners with imperfect people and makes them mighty through the Holy Spirit’s power.
Myth 5: The Anointed Don’t Need to Prepare or Give Effort
Untrue. God equips you with gifts and passion but expects you to prepare yourself for greater works continually. Stay ready through diligent prayer, bible study, mentoring by seasoned leaders, and going through training.
Conclusion:
In closing, know that the same Spirit who empowered Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, and enabled believers through the ages dwells within you! Rely on His wisdom, strength, and supernatural ability as you pursue God’s anointing over your life. You have a unique, God-given purpose to fulfill. Walk confidently in it by faith as you watch His plan unfold.
References:
- “Anointing.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 31 Dec. 2022, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anointing. Accessed 4 Jan. 2023.
This provides background on the history and biblical basis of anointing that could supplement some of the points in the article.
- Grudem, Wayne A. Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine. Zondervan Academic, 2009.
This theology textbook by Wayne Grudem has in-depth discussions of spiritual gifts, fruit of the spirit, and empowerment by the Holy Spirit that would back up some claims in my article.
- Stanley, Charles F. The Anointing: Your Call to Purposeful Living. Thomas Nelson, 2020.
