Are You a “Shall?” by Christine Smith

Mark 16:18b In the King James Bible, which some say is the most accurate, it says,

They shall lay hands on the sick and they shall recover.

In the 17th verse, it begins this portion of teaching by declaring, these signs shall follow those that believe. And it lists many things that should be who we are. But for today, I’d like to talk about the final “shall.”

Those who believe shall lay hands on the sick and they shall recover.

This passage is talking to Christians who believe in the gospel of Jesus and it describes how we are to act. No questions about it.

Some could actually be quite scary, such as picking up serpents or drinking something deadly. But the sad thing is I think most Christians are more afraid to be the “shall” that lays hands on the sick.

Those who believe shall lay hands on the sick and they shall recover. 

So, is it because they are ashamed of what they believe, that people won’t understand and they will look at us funny?

Or is it that they are afraid of looking stupid if they don’t recover? What they need to understand is they are only the first “shall” and God is the second. They need only step out boldly and lay hands on the sick and trust God to be the one who causes them to recover.

God is within you, but you are not Him and He takes His job very seriously. He honors those who honor Him. So if you honor Him and step out in faith, so will He. God loves holy boldness and He will honor it.

Never be afraid to be a “shall,” it’s the responsibility of those who believe. This is God’s plan to expand the kingdom and bring forth growth.

Those called to offices are there to train up the body of Christ to do the growing of the church. Find out what you, as God’s sheep, are called to be and do in the kingdom. You might be surprised!

And let me promise you, there is no better feeling than to be obedient to lay hands on a friend or relative and see their very countenance change before your eyes because God was able to move through you. Not to move when the Holy Spirit prompts you is simply pride. You’re more concerned for yourself than you are for them. You don’t want to look silly, so you let them suffer. It takes growth to learn to walk out of selfishness. We always need to understand our motives in doing anything for the Lord, but you won’t know if you don’t grow! 

So get out there and be the “shall” God created you to be.

Mark 16:18b Those that believe shall lay hands on the sick and they shall recover.

As an artist, Christine considers herself to be a barefoot, backwoods, country artist. As a writer, she often waxes nostalgic with a Huckleberry Finn style of text. As a minister, her friends call her “preacher woman.” But most important of all, God calls her – His!