You feel the Spirit stirring within you, calling you to a higher purpose. Could this be evidence that God has anointed you for ministry? How can you know if you are truly called and set apart? There are several key signs to look for that indicate God’s anointing on your life. Pay attention to these markers of a Spirit-empowered calling as you seek God’s direction for your life.
Introduction
In the Old Testament, prophets, priests, and kings were literally anointed with oil as a symbol of being set apart for service. The New Testament expands this idea, teaching that all believers have been anointed and empowered by the Holy Spirit. As 1 John 2:20 (NKJV) says, “You have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things.” This anointing equips all followers of Jesus for ministry in some form. However, God also singles out certain Spirit-filled believers for positions of leadership and influence, indicating His choice through the following signs of an anointed person.
Key Takeaways:
- God confirms the anointing through the fruit of the Spirit in a believer’s life.
- The anointed exhibit supernatural wisdom, discernment, and boldness.
- Powerful displays of God’s miraculous power accompany the anointed.
- An anointed person lives a consecrated life set apart for God’s purposes.
- There is a deep hunger for God’s presence and Spirit-led ministry.
- The anointed have a burden to see people delivered, saved, and discipled.
- God’s authority and favor rest on those He has anointed.
- The body of Christ recognizes and confirms the anointing on a person’s life.
The Spirit’s Fruit Confirms the Anointing
The first and most essential evidence of God’s anointing on your life is the fruit of the Spirit. As Jesus said in Matthew 7:16 (NKJV), “You will know them by their fruits.” The Holy Spirit’s work in your heart and character is the foundation for any ministry calling. As Galatians 5:22-23 (NKJV) describes, “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” If you are not exhibiting these Christlike virtues consistently, you are not ready for greater kingdom responsibility. But as the Spirit produces His fruit in you, it demonstrates His sanctifying power at work to equip you for service.
The anointed life is marked by integrity, purity, and humility. If you look at the lives of great leaders like Moses and David, God often spent decades building their character in obscurity before promoting them to positions of influence. The anointing flows out of inner transformation by the Spirit, not external performance. Don’t rush ahead into ministry until the Spirit has thoroughly worked in you. His fruit is the best indicator you are ready for the responsibility of stewarding God’s anointing.
Supernatural Wisdom and Discernment
Another key sign of the anointing is supernatural wisdom and discernment. Those called and empowered by God receive an upgraded ability to understand His ways, apply His truth, and sense spiritual dynamics around them. As 1 Corinthians 2:12-13 (NKJV) says, “We have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.” With this wisdom from above, the anointed gain unique insight into God’s purposes, strategies for ministry, and solutions to complex challenges.
While studying Scripture and seeking godly counsel is crucial for wisdom, the anointed also rely on the Spirit’s direct revelation and impressions. Their discernment is sharp, able to divide soul and spirit and distinguish truth from deception. If you are walking closely with God day by day in prayer, meditating on His Word, and sensitive to the Spirit’s whisper, you will notice Him giving you clarity and foresight beyond your natural abilities. This supernatural wisdom and discernment is an important confirmation that God has anointed you for ministry.
Boldness to Speak for God
Along with wisdom, the anointing empowers you with holy boldness to speak and act for God. Where before you may have been shy or intimidated, the Spirit’s fire gives you courage to confront injustice, deliver hard truths, and take risks for the gospel. The book of Acts documents this dynamic frequently, such as when the apostles stood before hostile rulers and proclaimed Jesus boldly after receiving the Holy Spirit (Acts 4:31 NKJV).
This boldness goes beyond natural personality to a supernatural authority, conviction, and effectiveness. You don’t speak from your own opinions or agenda, but declare God’s truth as His ambassador. Pray for the Spirit to give you boldness and then be willing to speak up when He prompts you. Your anointed words will cause demons to flee, doubts to melt, and walls to crumble. With God’s authority, you can confidently obey His call to share the gospel, even in the face of opposition.
Powerful Displays of God’s Power
In addition to inner transformation, a frequent sign of God’s anointing is a demonstration of His miraculous power. Jesus promised in Mark 16:17-18 (NKJV) that miraculous signs would follow believers as a testimony to the gospel: “And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.”
While all believers can pray for God’s intervention, the anointed exhibit consistent spiritual authority over sickness, demons, and the supernatural realm. Prayers for healing, deliverance, and miracles bear fruit far beyond chance. With practice and surrender to the Spirit’s flow, His supernatural power increases. This is partly about growing in the gifts of the Spirit, but also reflecting the overflow of the Holy Spirit within. As the old hymn says, “it’s just like the day of Pentecost.” The Spirit’s fire brings tangible displays of power that glorify Jesus and advance the Kingdom. If you are experiencing this, it likely indicates God’s calling on your life.
A Consecrated Life
One of the clearest indicators of God’s anointing is a consecrated life, set apart exclusively for Him. Rather than living for comfort, success, or selfish goals, the anointed pursue God’s desires above all else. Their time, resources, relationships, and choices reflect a focused devotion to the Father. Jesus embodied this perfectly in John 4:34 (NKJV) when He said, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work.” When God becomes your supreme “food” and delight, it leaves no room for idols or distractions.
This consecration fuels intimacy with God and effectiveness in ministry. The anointed carry grace and authority because their hearts belong fully to the Lord, not divided by competing loyalties. They are committed to obedience even when it costs comfort or reputation. Determine to live consecrated through surrendering your will, pruning ungodly influences, andpracticing spiritual disciplines like solitude, prayer, and fasting. As you offer yourself as a “living sacrifice” (Romans 12:1 NKJV), the Spirit’s fire falls mightily upon you.
Deep Hunger for God’s Presence
One sure marker of God’s anointing is an insatiable hunger for His presence. Those who carry the Spirit’s fire devote themselves to pursuing God’s face through prayer, worship, and listening to His voice. Progress in ministry matters far less than cultivating a vital, intimate relationship with Him. The anointed recognize that apart from abiding in the Lord’s presence, they can do nothing (John 15:5 NKJV).
This manifests through a lifestyle of praise and thanksgiving. The anointed live out the admonition in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NKJV) to “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks.” God becomes their wellspring of joy and strength. Even amidst trials, they draw life from Him. Make it your aim to carry His joyful presence wherever you go. You’ll find this same delight in the Lord among others who share His anointing.
Burden for Ministry
Another distinguishing mark of the anointing is a God-given burden to see people transformed through the gospel. Those with His Spirit are willing to pour themselves out as vessels for His purposes, no matter the cost. They share the heart of Jesus revealed in Matthew 9:36 (NKJV): “But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd.” The anointed mirror this compassion and sense of urgency to reach lost, broken people with the hope of Christ.
This looks like a holy restlessness that compels Spirit-led ministry. The anointed go where God directs and say what He gives, whether convenient or not. Their passion is to see people delivered, saved, healed, discipled, and living the fullness of their destiny in Christ. Does your heart break for those far from God? Ask Him to baptize you with His compassion and mobilize you to fulfill your calling.
God’s Favor and Authority
As you walk faithfully in God’s purposes, the anointing also produces a supernatural favor and authority that open doors for ministry. When God appoints you to a task, He goes before you and prepares the way for it to bear fruit. People God wants you to connect with and places He is leading you to will welcome you and recognize His commissioning on your life at just the right time.
This is what Isaiah 45:1-3 (NKJV) describes when it says God goes before His anointed Cyrus to “subdue nations” and “open doors” for the sake of Israel. The favor, influence, and validation needed to accomplish your assignment will come as you stay under the Spirit’s direction. He will make a way where there seems no way. His authority rests upon that which He ordains. Trust that as you are faithful with little, God will entrust you with more.
Confirmation from Spiritual Leaders
One final mark of God’s anointing is confirmation from other mature believers who recognize His grace on your life. The body of Christ plays an important role in affirming and commissioning those called to leadership ministries. As 1 Timothy 4:14 says, “Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership.” Submit to the input of your pastors and leaders in discerning your calling.
The anointed also empower and learn from each other. They are drawn together by the Spirit to bless, strengthen, and release the gifts of those around them. Seek out mentor relationships with more experienced ministers who can guide you. Also nurture new believers as Timothy did. Sharpening one another in godly community is key for stepping into the fullness of your anointing.
Conclusion
Do you sense these signs of God’s anointing at work in your life? The wise will wait on the Lord for His timing, sincepromotion comes neither from the east or the west, but from theLord (Psalm 75:6 NKJV). Yet what an honor it is to carry the same Spirit who empowered Jesus and the great cloud of witnesses before us! As you keep your eyes fixed on Him, He will lead you into the purposes for which you were created. Stay near to His heart and the flow of His anointing through an intimate, consecrated life. Fan the flame within you into a bonfire that spreads the gospel to all who need Him. God has equipped you through His Spirit to walk in the fullness of your calling. You are anointed for “such a time as this!”
