We begin to realize the grace of becoming an instrument of God’s power when we cease viewing the Spirit’s nine gifts as “a collection.” These gifts are not cumulative. Other gifts of God, which define our calling or ministries He gives, are permanent (Rom. 11:29). But the catalog of the Holy Spirit’s nine “manifestations” are special graces ceaselessly being distributed to places and persons where they are needed.
Once the Holy Spirit finds a person through whom He can distribute a gift, that gift is given. It was not destined for possession. It was destined for delivery. In other words, the Holy Spirit gives us His gifts to be given away! So remember two things: (1) the Holy Spirit’s gifts are to be given to the person or group He assigns, and (2) His gifts are only “giveable” through people who make themselves consciously and humbly available and willing to be His delivery agents.
Now, in that light, read Acts 3:1–10, and see an example of what happens when “available agents” receive and deliver a gift of the Holy Spirit.
