1. Spiritual Hunger. Jesus said those who hunger and thirst after righteousness are blessed, because they shall be satisfied. Gideon was hungry for the move of God and he was used mightily of God to bring deliverance to his people. John G. Lake was hungry for the move of God in the area of healing and he was satisfied .We must know that God is more willing to see miracles happen than we are but He is waiting on us to position ourselves through deep spiritual hunger. Past moves of God happened as men positioned themselves through deep hunger, not just because God decided to move. The proof of hunger is, however, pursuit. Elijah could not shake Elisha off. Naomi could not shake Ruth off.

2. Asking. Jesus said he that asks, receives. Matt.7:8. James 4:2 says, "..You do not have, because you do not ask God." Elisha asked for a double portion of Elijah’s spirit. God gives the gift of the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him. Solomon asked God for wisdom and he got it! What we ask for shows what our priorities in life are.

3. Purposeful interaction & Discipleship. Acts 4:13 says "When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus". Discipleship is not a loose or socio-political association, it is focused, purposeful and the connection must be divine. Other examples are Mordecai/Esther; Naomi/Ruth.

4. Service. Jesus said anyone who wants to be great must be the servant of all. God always creates opportunities for service around us to bring us into our destinies. Joshua was called the servant of Moses; Elisha poured water on Elijah’s hand.

5. Hearing the Word. Faith comes by hearing the Word of God. Luke 5:17 says, As Jesus taught the Word, the power of God was present for Him to heal the sick! In Acts 14, a man received the faith to be healed as he heard Paul preach the word

6. Carrying out divine instructions. Mary said to the people who needed wine, "Do whatever He tells you" John 2:5. They got the miracle by obeying His instructions. The widow got a miracle of debt cancellation by carrying out Elisha's instructions. The widow of Zarephath and her son were miraculously kept through the famine after she obeyed a divine instruction. Peter got a breakthrough when he obeyed Jesus’ instruction to launch into the deep!

7. Giving. No other Church shared with Apostle Paul in the matter of "Giving and Receiving" except the Philippians Church, and Paul said they shared with him in God's grace. He said to them, "Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account". Our giving can cause spiritual deposits to be made into our accounts.

8. Laying on of hands. Jesus said those who believe in Him will lay hands on the sick and they will get well, Mark 16:18. Paul said to Timothy, "fan into flame the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands". 2 Tim.2: 6 In the Old Testament, things like inheritance, authority, honor and favor were passed on to people through the laying on of hands! However, these factors don’t automatically position us to receive. Hands may be laid on us without us receiving anything. Some folks give but their conditions don’t change.

What determines our receiving is our heart condition. In the parable of the sower, it was only the seed that fell on good soil that produced fruit. Jesus said the seed is the word and the soil is men's hearts. The good soil are those "who hear the word and accept it" Mark 4:20. Proverbs 4:23 says the issues of life flow out of hearts! We must not just serve; we should also have a heart of service! We must have a giving heart; a heart that is humble. We need a regular heart check if we must walk in spiritual impartation!

God Bless.

Rev (Mrs) Funke Ewuosho.