Day 37: Can You Lose Your Anointing?
Can you lose your anointing? That’s a great question. Let’s see what the Bible says. From the 40 Days of Daily Bread Series.
Can you lose your anointing? That’s a great question, and one that I hope to bring insight from this devotional.
If you are God’s, then He has anointed you. The purpose of the anointing is to break yokes while you do what you are called to do (Luke 4:18). Isn’t that good news? Your life can help others because of it.
First, from Smith’s Bible Dictionary, “anointing in Holy Scripture, is either,
- Material- with oil- or
- Spiritual- with the Holy Ghost
Spiritual anointing with the Holy Ghost is conferred also upon Christians by God (2 Corinthians 1:21).”
Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and anointed us is God. 2 Corinthians 1:21 NASB
The word anointing, from 2 Corinthians 1:21, in Thayer’s Greek Lexicon states that it’s “enduing Christians with the gifts of the Holy Spirit.”
So now you understand that we’re talking about an anointing for the gifts of the Holy Spirit when you wonder if you can lose your anointing. You need to know that “the gifts and calling of God are irrevocable (Romans 11:29, NLT). So God doesn’t remove the calling.
What About King Saul? Did He Lose His Anointing?
Saul disobeyed God and performed his own sacrifice instead of waiting for Samuel as previously instructed. As a result, God said his kingdom would come to an end (See 1 Samuel 10:8; 1 Samuel 13:8-14).
God gave King Saul another test of obedience. Through Samuel, God told Saul to annihilate all the nation of Amalek—including the animals. But Saul did not fully obey. He saved the best animals to sacrifice and only captured the enemy king.
Then God said He was sorry He ever made Saul king, and Samuel prophesied that his kingdom was torn from him (1 Samuel chapter 15). Now, he was still king until his death, but notice how when David was anointed in his place (1 Samuel 16:13), the Spirit of the Lord left Saul (verse 14) because there was a transference of the anointing.
Does That Mean God Always Does It This Way?
“Repentance in God is not, as it is in us, a change of his mind, but a change of his method or dispensation. He does not alter his will, but wills an alteration.”
— Matthew Henry Commentary on 1 Samuel 15
No, God doesn’t always respond the same way as in Saul’s case. A couple of quick examples:
- God will use the one who is obedient if you’re not willing to obey. Mordecai strongly warned Esther that “if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place” (Esther 4:14).
- God chooses to chasen. He told David He had chosen Solomon to build God’s house (instead of David), and “If he commits iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men…But My mercy shall not depart from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I removed from before you” (see 2 Samuel 7:13-15).
I don’t know how God will make an alteration based on your life or mine, but I will certainly be obedient to the best of my ability.
Apply the Word
This section is to help us respond to the prompting of the Holy Spirit.
“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” James 1:22 ESV
- Write in your journal what God has called you to do. Are you diligently guarding your heart to do all that God has said for you to do concerning your calling?
There is nothing on this earth that is worth losing your destiny. How can you guard your heart so that you will not lose your destiny?
In our Daily Bread tomorrow, we will finish talking about the exact thing that destroys the anointing in part two.
Am a pastor and am a married man,but yesterday I kissed a lady who is not my wife I don’t know how she trapped me but we didn’t have sex… kindly help me have I lost the anointing?
This isn’t an easy answer, but I want to give you my thoughts. Recently someone told me they had fallen away from God and didn’t know what to do. I told this young disciple that when I found myself in a place of walking away from God, God revealed something to me.
It was a GRADUAL process of turning away from His truth. First in my mind, then with my actions. He revealed to me that I’m going to return to being close to Him at that same pace: one step at a time. This takes time.
Brother, I believe the anointing is probably diminished in your life. First, let me establish something: that kiss is sin. Remember what Jesus said, “But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” (Matthew 5:28). In other words, it’s about what’s in your heart.
Joseph was tempted while he lived in the palace. If his thought life wasn’t under control, he wouldn’t have run away from her.
You say, “I don’t know how she trapped me.” This action began with your thought life. You trapped yourself. But the way of escape is found through the Word. Read about it here: The Foolproof Way to Abandon Temptation https://kellyrbaker.com/the-foolproof-way-to-abandon-temptation/
Cut all ties with her. Cease the knowing looks, the flirting, and never be alone with her. Then take a personal retreat with God. And get free of Secret Sins: How to Get Free of Secret Sins and Thrive in Christ (Even If You Want to Stay in It) https://kellyrbaker.com/get-free-of-secret-sins/
In time, when you are being a doer of the Word and not a hearer only (James 1), you will see an increase of the anointing again. Obedience to God is key. I strongly advise you to get a fellow minister to help you and keep you accountable. God bless you, and I’m praying for you.
thanks I fell by way side I use. To preach
Praying for you, Juanita!
God is the ONLY one who gives and/or lifts the anointing. He chooses and uses whomever he wants. Praying for your strength and mine to move forward in step with God and His mercy too. Forgive me for falling short Lord.
Thanks for your prayers, Jacqueline
Praise the Lord
Dear how to be in deep prayer tobe filled with Holy spirit as I believe God have been anointed with His gift of wisdom n understanding ( as when I read bible I can understand all the hidden meanings now which was unable to me before).
How to go deep prayer for the gifts of healing and prophecies Or how to know Gods plan .
Anil Bernad
Hi Anil, it would take a long time to explain all that. Do you have a spiritual mentor? Sounds like you’re hungry for God. Keep thriving!
I wanted to make a comment to the pastor who fell . Get back up! Do not allow yourself to be defeated !!! We all sin and have fallen short of his glory . Forgive yourself do not allow guilt to run your life! We all are tempted. The key is to choose to open or close . Ask yourself how did this happen ? Search your heart! . Most of the time we lose our prayer life with God we don’t read the word and we don’t fast. We ask ourselves how did this happen ? the answer is easy we just make it difficult. Your not the only pastor who has fallen but don’t be one of those who do not get back up either. God loves you soo much don’t waste your life . GET BACK UP! Be real with yourself cause you surely cannot lie to God . Repent and make it right with God. Who are we to judge you? Love you in Christ .
I would like to point out that later on in the book of Samuel, David had the chance to slay King Saul but he did not because he was one of God’s anointed. If Saul’s anointment was transferred, why would David state that as his reason for sparing Saul? This does not make sense and goes to show you do not lose your anointment and that God will anoint another to take your place, should you chose to be disobedient.
Hi, In the beginning of my surrendering and giving back my life to Jesus for serious. I was on fire and was feeling his annoited on others too. But Now through many seasons after, I dont feel his annointed on other people or on me. What could it be? Any prayers I could pray to get that back?
Your answer is Your Father God wants you to mature, time to walk by faith not by sight( your emotions) to believe God word with trust in its the truth , does not matter if you feel it to be true. Your not a baby anymore – time to walk and not crawl by feelings. Jesus Christ Sprit is training you to grow up. Amen
Wow,i am richly blessed.
Currently, i believe I have lost the anointing. Actually I blasphem the name of the Lord because of financial hardships and frustrations.
I also became bitter against a brother, because of offence..
Few days ago I dreamed that I was replaced by a younger brother in God’s service.
Now I struggle to pray and read the Bible
Have I lost my salvation? What should I do?
You have already identified the spiritual hinderances in your life. As long as you’re alive, it’s never too late to repent and turn back fully to God. He can restore all things. His arms are wide open to you. He wants to walk with you in life and be your source of strength, wisdom, and comfort. He is ever merciful. It’s your move.
Life will bring you storms and trails the anointing is not what keeps you away from them but it gets us through them if your in a situation where you fell your drifting away just like the prodigal son come to your senses and run back to the father salvation can not be lost we just need to repent and live a life running the race just like the book of Micha 7 says do I fall I shall arise … get back up dust your self off and don’t be bitter God loves you it’s no one’s fault remember are battle is against the enemy not are brothers here on earth
Hi Kelly, I need some help. I have been blessed with the anointing of God. This was more of physical especially with the fragrances of heaven all over my house and the presence of angels etc. it’s been indeed a magical experience and I must confess God is real… Sadly I do have a problem with Lust. I do not cheat and I am currently not dating anyone but i engage in self service and I watch lustful women via the internet. what do I need to do?I really need help. I have prayed. God has kept me in a secret place away from my enemies before he blessed with with the anointing and he is preparing me for something great i believe but I cannot help myself every end of the week or two weeks. I am always in his presence but when i get a few break, I feel overwhelmed and want to do that silly act.It completely drains me . I need help.
I’m sorry for the late reply! There is hope. I’ve seen people get free using the Word. Check out this guide that many have used to see freedom. How to Get Free of Secret Sins and Thrive in Christ (Even If You Want to Stay in It) https://kellyrbaker.com/get-free-of-secret-sins/ There is a free download (no email required) of the steps to take at the bottom of the post. I would also say to humble yourself and get accountability from your pastor or a trusted minister. You’ve built a habit and habits take time to break. You must break the sinful habits with the Word. You can check out the Overcoming Worksheets in Insider Resources to help with that (you’d need to be a subscriber for this one). I’m praying for you!