Hi Mike,

Do you think it will be a delusion if I discovered that God has granted me a certain gift; spiritual or physical? Or maybe it’s an idol of the heart? God is the creator of things. I don’t believe in dreams, doctrines of the world, idols, observing of months, days or festivals. God has granted me faith not to give up in any physical disease. When it comes to beasts within, I need strength to possess my soul. I do believe in total God’s operation, and I am not leaning on my own understanding. We are all clays, and he is the Potter. Knowledge and understanding is from God. You remain in my prayers. I thank you. God bless.

YBIC,
N____

Hi N____,
God has granted us all gifts of one type or another.

Eph 4:8  Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.

Paul goes on to enumerate some of the gifts of the ministry, but he certainly is not saying that these are the only gifts of God. In fact in this same chapter he makes it clear that we all contribute to the health of the body of Christ in some way.

Eph 4:14  That we [ henceforth] be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, [ and] cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
Eph 4:15  But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, [ even] Christ:
Eph 4:16  From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

So my answer to your question is to come to “know God and Jesus Christ who He has sent.” That is done through the study of His word. When you come to know God and His word, then you can “try the spirits” to see whether they are of God”, and God will reveal any idols of your heart to you. He will even chasten you and burn those idols out of you. Ask Him, and He will answer every sincere prayer.

Joh 11:22  But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee.
1Jn 4:1  Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

Of course the principle of “the sum of Thy word”, applies to all of our requests, and it is clear that God will not give us any request that is contrary to His will.

1Jn 5:14  And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:

So ask God for the ability to discern spirits to see whether they are of God.

Jas 1:5  If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all [ men] liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

I hope these scriptures all help you to decide whether you are being given a gift or an idol of the heart.
Your brother in Christ,
Mike