18 – Ana - “I suddenly began speaking in tongues, how can I know if this is an authentic gift?”
“Subject: Hey Michael I have a question. Help me pls
Hey brother Michael
First I want to thank u for the john 7:17 challenge. I can honestly say that it was awesome and I can’t wait for more teachings. Michael I remember u helping me the other day explaining to me about the gift of discernment and I’m so Thankful about that . It really helped me. Well Saturday June 10 after I finished the challenge I was praying to God and I believe I received the gift of tongues. I just started to pray in this language or sounds I guess I couldn’t understand. Michael can u pls explain to me how to operate this gift. I need a clear explanation ... sometimes I am afraid the enemy is trying to deceive me and that’s something that I won’t ever ever wanna go through. When I pray in tongues it is something so deep and it comes from the deepest of me but I want to make sure I’ll be operating this the right way to worship and glorify the Lord. This past Tuesday my husband was in the room, and I was in my Living room worshipping and I started speaking in tongues. When I finished, I went in my room and my husband was l so scared cause he heard me and he said he felt the power of God and how he really fears him now. He was running away from him but after he heard God working through me, he’s like so close to him now. Michael I need prayers because I believe God is trying to use me but there’s so much warfare . The enemy wants me to doubt and stuff like that. Pls explain to me everything about this gift. Thank u”
Discerning the Authentic: Measuring Spiritual Gifts and Experiences
Beloved, today we address a crucial aspect of the Christian walk: discerning authentic spiritual gifts and experiences. Our sister, Ana, suddenly had a spiritual experience, which she was not expecting. After completing the John 7:17 Challenge, she was in prayer and suddenly began speaking in what she believed to be the gift of tongues. She also knew that the enemy sows counterfeit experiences to deceive and distract us from true spiritual growth. How do we navigate this landscape? Our anchor is God’s word and the leading of the Holy Spirit. Seek confirmation not from fleeting feelings or human validation, but from the Lord Himself. As Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
The gift of tongues, often a source of both wonder and confusion, is specifically addressed in Scripture. First Corinthians 14:22 states, "Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers but for unbelievers." This gift, when genuine, manifests as actual languages, as seen at Pentecost in Acts 2, where those gathered "heard their own languages being spoken" (Acts 2:6). However, much of what is presented as “tongues” today is merely a repetition of syllables, lacking the biblical mark of genuine language. Godly men like Zac Poonen in India, who has the gift and has traveled around the world, estimates that 90% of what he has heard around the world of tongues, are all counterfeit. Be cautious, as Paul warned in 1 Corinthians 14, “I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. But in the church I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousands words in a tongue. Brothers, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be adults.”
The enemy can use counterfeit gifts to create a false sense of arrival, a deceptive belief that one has achieved spiritual maturity. Such experiences often “leave you shallow in your faith,” devoid of genuine holiness, self-denial, and submission to God’s will. Matthew 7:16 warns, "By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles?” True spiritual gifts, like a good tree, bear the fruit of righteousness.
Let’s also remember, Satan also uses fiery darts of doubt against authentic spiritual gifts and providences. He attacks all things from God, whispering lies like “You don't really know God," “This isn’t really from God,” and "This gift isn't really in play in your life.” But the intensity of these attacks can also be an evidence of the authenticity of what God is doing in your life. The enemy fights fiercely against genuine spiritual growth and fruitfulness.
Don’t be discouraged by your doubts, but test them against the truth of Scripture. Ask the Father for discernment and confirmation. He will not allow those who love the truth to be ultimately deceived. He may allow trials and tests, even a “punch in the chin for ignorance,” to keep us humble and dependent. But He will strengthen, preserve, and keep us, as promised in Isaiah 64:4: “Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him.” Delight in the Lord, and He will not withhold any good thing.
