Of Signs And Wonders; Could We Have Afforded To Miss These Times? Oh Wesley

I do not doubt the power of God. Not even his miracles. I do not doubt the ability of men and women to heal and perform miraculously in the name of God. I have seen, heard and read many of the amazing things God has been doing through his men and women. My own life is a testimony.

As an ordinarily child from an obscure corner, I have had the privilege of an unprecedented growth and exposure, ones that are a preserve of a very few in society. Today, at a younger age I do not only represent an independent multi-national oil and gas exploration and production company, I have also had my thoughts and expertise quoted by a reputable international NGO in the health sector with affiliation to a renowned medical training institution in the U.S. And if this is by far not the favour of God, then what else can it be?

Yes I do not rule out hard work. After all what is faith without works? But when a young man of faith from absolutely no where go places that even the most intelligent and industrious have failed to reach then what else has he got to offer than to say 'Ebenezer and proclaim it as the doing of the Lord'. Knowing well how ordinary men like David and Gideon worked tremendously because God was with them.

That notwithstanding, I have had to worry about the extent many have gone to seek these signs and wonders as well as how supposed men and women of God have pursued their powers; most importantly the jubilation and the 'helter skelter' that supersede a miraculous encounter. But are they to be blamed? Men need to market their God given powers, so as to 'establish their feet' and attract more audience.

I must also say that the kind of gestures that have come from 'receivers' of such miracles have added a twist to the whole saga. Today churches have benefited immensely from people who got healed by the God of their church. Ministers-of-God have had huge edifices and very luxurious gifts come to them from people they have healed or their families. And so competing for space has become obvious routine.

On Monday we all rouse to the command of the cedi to rise. This has generated huge discussions and debate even from the very Christians. Truly, I will let this pass my comment.

Earlier that day, I read about how ''hundreds of people from all walks of life are trooping to Adomfe, a small town in the Asante Akyem South District in the Ashanti Region, to fetch water from a borehole which is believed to heal all manner of illnesses''. According to the report, these seekers '' are not perturbed by any cost - be it money, distance or long queues for hours and days - to fetch the water for their personal use and for their relatives and friends, far and near''. This story got me worried, though not the very first time and magnitude. I wondered if my congregation will soon march in this direction. Without words I wondered if miracles and directions even if genuine cannot be made more humane.

My small Wesley society which many of you might not have heard of 'knew no signs and wonders'. Yet I have always felt the presence of God and experienced Gods power and favour upon the congregation. It is this that has nurtured my faith over the period and has taken me places. I have always believed that fellow congregants could surpass all if only they can manage the faith of even a mustard seed.

In spite of that, I have always believed that some signs and wonders wouldn't hurt Wesley. At least some few can be saved from being servants of two. Again, many others will have their needs met as Jesus himself did not turn people away when they cried out to Him for healing, deliverance, and miracles.

However, recent happenings in the church has found me reflecting more on some key verses in the understanding of our times. Notable among has been Matthew 16 and in specific verse 4b, where Jesus stated and I quote, ''A wicked and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign shall be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah''.

At the close of an anointing service one Sunday evening, a young man limping, with his right hand on his stomach walk into the church and went straight to lie in front of the congregation where the last batch of congregants were been anointed.

Realising he was in pain and need, we were charged to join the warriors in prayer. After what seems like the miracle has been performed, the name of Jesus was shouted to which we joined. Then suddenly we zoomed into what seemed like 'victory jams', though understandable. At least God deserve the glory.

Then, there came the intense Jumping, screaming and dancing even from those who have been stretching and mimicking to see what was going; with some warrior's running back and forth.

Perhaps Wesley has seen it first signs and wonders?

Well, is it that we were not expecting to outperform or that we doubted our own faith and powers? I thought we are anointed and by that we had the power of God to cast out demons, speak in tongues, take up serpents, be immune to poison, and heal the sick. So why have we done the many yet this one came fascinating?

Then the moment came when the 'restored youth' took the microphone to tell his story and pronounce his intention to procure 300 plastic chairs and a bus for the church. This was after he has pleaded with the church not to despise his structure, age, and has given account of his route and his family's wealth.

Then another intense shouting and screaming began. A divided front then also emerged. 'Those for who believed and those against who called the young man a robber'.

Sincerely I thought I had come to the crossroad.
Has Wesley suddenly become a congregation after signs and wonders? Or is it something we have always longed for? And could we have afforded these times when our very first reverend is leading us in this divine path? Will Wesley be an evangelical ministry or one of signs and wonders?

Today, small Wesley seems to be the present of Jesus' call on us to pray without ceasing. We are of 'mandate' to manifest in God's spirit and that those not without us in this direction are against us. We are all to become apostles. We need no thinkers and administrators. In times now, I have had to wonder if Christianity is to make us fearful or free and that to be in Christ we must live under threat and human fear.

Really Wesley will be a challenge to the next minister, particularly when he prefers to teach than to perform.

But even that what about the church beyond Wesley? How are signs and wonders being pursued and performed? I know many churches have had its front divided as result. And so of signs and wonders; could we have afforded to miss these times? Oh Wesley, come with thy kingdom.