Written by John Paul Jackson

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What happens when your church isn’t interested in the gifts of the Holy Spirit—but you are? You have tasted of “Kingdom” things like dream interpretation, praying for the sick and listening to God’s voice. You know the benefit of these things, but your church does not, and perhaps they even respond forcefully to the idea of them.

How are you supposed to submit to leadership that doesn’t believe what you believe? I think the answer itself is rather simple. The carrying out of the answer, however, can be a little difficult.

If you feel you know what God is saying, yet the authority over you seems to be headed another direction, you need to ask God to make you like Daniel. If you can become like Daniel, your church will want what you have.

WHAT DID PEOPLE SAY ABOUT DANIEL?

Belshazzar’s queen made seven statements about Daniel in Daniel 5:10–12:

1. The Spirit of the Holy God was in him.
2. He had knowledge.
3. He had understanding.
4. He had light.
5. He had the ability to solve riddles and explain enigmas.
6. He had the gift of interpreting dreams.
7. He had an excellent spirit.

When you connect yourself to God the way Daniel did, others will look at you and say, “The Spirit of the Holy God is in you. I can see that. You know something and have experienced something that I need to know and experience. Tell me more.” It will not matter to them that your beliefs and opinions differ from theirs—they will be able to see God’s Spirit brimming over in your life.

If your church knows you are a man or woman of excellent spirit, they will be more willing to listen to what God says through you.

Daniel was also skilled in interpreting dreams. Dream interpretation is one of the most powerful spiritual tools the Body of Christ has. Dreams had incredible influence in Scripture, and they have the same level of influence now. I have interpreted dreams for national and international leaders and the heads of nations, and I have seen God do extraordinary things as a result. He speaks to people in dreams even when they are not aware of it or do not believe He speaks that way. While people sleep, He “opens the ears of men, and seals their instruction” (Job 33:16).

Hand in hand with dream interpretation, solve a few enigmas for your pastor and eldership, and doors will open like crazy for you.

Ask God to make you like Daniel. It may take some time, but you will see God move in your church.

DANIEL AND GOD’S SPIRIT

As you walk in humility and pray for your church, keep something in mind. Those seven statements made about Daniel in Daniel 5:10–12 parallel the seven spirits of God mentioned in Isaiah 11:2:

1. The Spirit of the Lord,
2. The Spirit of wisdom,
3. The Spirit of understanding,
4. The Spirit of counsel,
5. The Spirit of might,
6. The Spirit of knowledge and
7. The Spirit of the fear of the Lord.

Daniel knew God and the ways of God, and God set him in a position of honor. He filled Daniel with Himself, so much so that even the queen could see it—she looked at Daniel and saw light.

As men and women who want to do God’s will, it can be very easy for us to become more interested in His purpose than we are in His presence. Clearly, I am not saying that God’s purpose is unimportant, but His presence will bring His purpose. His purpose begins in His presence. When we know Him as He is and make His presence our home (Psalm 42:1–2), we will have His purpose. That is when the world around us will look at us and say, “I see who God is because of you.”