“A group of Jews was traveling from town to town casting out evil
spirits. They tried to use the name of the Lord Jesus in their
incantation, saying, ‘I command you in the name of Jesus, whom Paul
preaches, to come out!’ Seven sons of Sceva, a leading priest, were
doing this. But one time when they tried it, the evil spirit replied,
‘I know Jesus, and I know Paul, but who are you?'” (Acts 19:13-15 NLT)
outside of a relationship with Jesus. It just doesn’t work. Using
Jesus’ name is not some magical formula. God is not obligated to
answer our prayers because we say certain things in certain ways. Sometimes when we ask God for wisdom or direction for life, victory
over sin, or power for witness or ministry, we don’t receive it.
Could it be that we are seeking God’s gifts instead of seeking God
Himself? I’m sure I’ve been guilty of this. All these blessings are available for us, but they can’t be divorced
from a relationship with Him. Let’s seek the Giver, not just the
gifts.