Study the Anointing in Your Life
by Justin Rizzo
12/18/17
Artists and Authors
Several years ago, while having a conversation with Mike Bickle, he encouraged me to do something that would end up being transformational in my calling as a worship leader (really in my entire life).
He told me to begin studying the anointing in my life.
“Ask God—dialogue with Him about how He has specifically anointed you,” he said.
As I began to do this in the days and weeks to come, it would prove to be life-changing for me.
Your anointing is how you’re blessed or empowered. The Bible tells us that all believers, by the power of the Holy Spirit, are anointed to heal the brokenhearted, touch the poor, bring sight to the blind, and freedom to captives. But the question is, How has He anointed or gifted you to do that?
For example, do you find that when you sing certain types of songs—high praise or slow ballads—that you connect more with God? Maybe it’s when you play a certain instrument that you find your flow easier. Or maybe you come alive when you compose a cello piece or write an arrangement for a choir. Paying attention to these practical things will help you figure out your anointing. Bottom line—ask, “What moves my heart the most when I lead?” Because most of the time when you’re moved, others will be too.
As I started paying attention to how God desired to use me (both when leading on a platform and offstage), I began to understand what Mike was referring to. When you begin to solidify who you are and the way God has gifted (anointed) you, it gives you increased freedom to let go of other things that perhaps you’re not supposed to be pursuing so that you can grow in confidence in what you are supposed to be doing.
This doesn’t mean that you’re locking yourself into one thing and one thing only—it means that you’re maturing and can actually pinpoint some of your strengths. It also doesn’t mean that you should constantly be analyzing yourself and being introspective—it means to simply pay attention to what moves you and the trends that you begin to see.
You can’t earn God’s anointing. It’s something that He has freely given to us and it flows from within as we agree with the Holy Spirit.
Though the anointing can’t be earned, it can be tended to and increased as you spend time with the Anointed One.
Have you ever thought about how God has anointed you? If not, start asking Him today.
Visit justinrizzo.com for more worship team resources including Justin’s free e-book “10 Keys to Being a Successful Worship Leader.”
Enjoy this orchestrated compilation featuring well-known Christmas carols sung by IHOPKC Worship Leaders.
Continue your conversation with the Lord this December at Onething 2017. Come seek and find the Lord with fellow believers from across the world, joining in times of prayer, worship, and powerful biblical teaching from IHOPKC leadership.
Justin Rizzo
Justin was born and raised in Buffalo, New York, where he developed a passion and love for music at an early age. He began playing a variety of instruments and started leading worship at age 12. He has released five albums and been featured on multiple compilation projects along with writing and producing two full-length musicals. In addition, he travels extensively to lead worship and speak at conferences and events around the world. Justin is currently a full-time staff member at the International House of Prayer of Kansas City, Missouri, where he serves as a worship leader, songwriter, composer, and blogger.
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