Acts 2:4 – And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Over the years, as I have been privileged by the Lord to minister to God’s people I have observed something among some of those desiring to receive the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in tongues. There are some believers who are crying begging God to send the Holy Ghost from heaven to them. Some others are expecting a tongue of fire on their heads as they come under an irresistible power that causes them to roll over the floor.
These mindsets have held many from receiving the fulfilled promise of the Father. Granted, we have seen these kinds of manifestations but they are not the requirement specified by the Word of God. Relying solely on them will therefore be misleading. This is where our opening verse begins to make sense. The Bible records that the 120 disciples who waited for the promise of the Father were filled with the Holy Spirit and “began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance” (Acts 2:4b).
The Holy Spirit enabled them and they spoke. The Word translated utterance is the Greek word apophtheggomai which means to speak forth or declare. The disciples did the speaking, not the Holy Spirit. This is where some find it difficult to distinguish the responsibility of the Holy Spirit and their own duty. The Holy Ghost will provide you with the words but you must open your mouth and speak it or it will never happen. The speaking is your duty. What exactly do I say someone may ask; just open your mouth and speak what the Holy Ghost supplied.
When you desire the Holy Spirit and have been prayed for just receive Him. Open your mouth and give voice to the language He will supply. It will never make sense because it is by faith.
CONFESSION
Thank you, Father, for the precious gift of the Holy Spirit that you have poured out on us. I receive him and give voice to the language He provides.
