This time of year, we often see angels being set out in nativity scenes and placed on top of Christmas trees. We sing Christmas carols about angels. Even though it feels more widely accepted to talk about them at Christmas, angels have been created by God to be a normal part of our everyday life. In Scripture, angels are often shown as awe-inspiring, powerful messengers of God, and their appearance often invokes fear and reverence. “Do not be afraid,” is something that the angels often had to say when appearing to individuals with a message from God, as we find in the book of Luke, when an angel appears to the shepherds at Jesus’ birth, telling them:
“Do not be afraid, for I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” (2:10-11)
Their appearance can be overwhelming with descriptions of multiple wings, faces and even fire and lightning surrounding them. Even though they are incredible beings with various forms and purpose, they all love God and carry out His will with strength and purpose. They protect, deliver messages, fight spiritual battles, and worship God continuously. There are many verses that reveal how they are an important part of the Kingdom of God and are very engaged in our lives here on earth and in creation.
Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?
(Hebrew 1:14)
God has designed us as triune beings as a spirit, who has a soul, in a body. Our spirit is the part of us that allows us to be aware of God and His spiritual creation around us. The angelic beings are a beautiful part of our Kingdom family. Sometimes it seems that people who are not Christians, feel more comfortable talking about and being aware of angels. There has been throughout history, an attempt to create distance or even fear of the angelic, but I have seen over the past few years more freedom returning in having God-honoring relationships with the angels.
As spirit beings, part of our maturing in Christ is growing in our comfort level engaging with angels and other heavenly realities. Jesus modeled this for us in scripture, as well as many others in both the Old and New Testaments. It was not uncommon for an angel to appear in the physical or in a dream to help people carry out their assignments. Through the generations, this has been God’s plan and design. If you have not experienced the joy or freedom of experiencing the angelic realm around your life, I want to encourage you with a few suggestions that will help that to develop and grow in your walk with God. First, I would like to share an encounter that I had just this week. I was worshipping God, by praying in the spirit and I was interceding specifically for a ministry involved in rescuing children from being trafficked, when an angel appeared in the spirit. He looked like a male and the feeling that I had was one of strength but at the same time also very gentle. As I asked Holy Spirit about this angel, I knew that he would be involved in rescuing the children much like the angel who rescued Peter, from prison,
in Acts 12:7
Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. “Quick, get up!” he said, and the chains fell off Peter’s wrists.
I heard “still waters” in the spirit and knew that this angel carried that quality in his being, just like we find in Psalm 23 where the Lord leads us beside still waters and restores our souls. I was so encouraged to know that this angel was a part of the healing work being carried out on behalf of those children. As you begin to engage the angels in your life, you will be amazed at what God begins to reveal.
Steps in Pursuit:
- Start by using your words to recognize the angels that are around your life. I will often thank the angels who are assigned to me for all the ways they care for me.
- Be creative. Draw or journal about the experiences you have had with your angels. Write what you are feeling and sensing. This will help you become more sensitive when they are around you.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal where the angels are in the room. He will help you enhance your spiritual discernment and sight.
The angels are moving on our behalf and we can show our appreciation by thanking them and partnering with them. God intends for us to work together as a Kingdom family in accomplishing his will on earth as it is in heaven.
Continue the Pursuit,
Denise
