Covering
In Mission Fellowship International we embrace covering as a spiritual principle. It is not just an organisational, denominational or administrative idea.
The Bible states God is our covering, Psalm 91:4, "He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall take refuge…" and Deuteronomy 33:12 declares, "The beloved of the LORD shall dwell in safety by him; and the LORD shall cover him all the day long...". With this and through relationship with Jesus, the Holy Spirit and relationships we fulfil this principle.
I was privileged to be brought up by the late Apostle Philip Mohabir, who through relationships covered lives in an expanse of over 50 nations before going home. A humble man indeed who has done great exploits in the Kingdom through his surrendered, obedient and humble life through the principle of Spiritual covering. He demonstrated the ability and fruits of living under covering relationships with others and has also through relationships covered many men and women into their destiny in God.
In his home nation of Guyana he has raised up a nation of leaders, who are responsible for leading and covering what the nation now calls "The largest Christian Denomination".
Some biblical illustrations of spiritual covering are noted below:
*As the father sent me so send I you.
*The disciples were not Filled with the Holy spirit nor even saved, But they went under the covering and authority of Jesus and the demons were subject to them. When we minister under another's anointing and covering we carry their anointing and a measure of their authority.
*Paul and the Church in Antioch – Sent out and returned to report. Church covers Individuals.
*Paul and the Jerusalem Council – Produced clarity, unity and oneness of mission.
*Apollos: Brilliant but not clearly under covering – blessed the Corinthian church but deposited a spirit of autonomy, and division. "I am of Paul and I am of Apollos."
Further Examples of this principle are; Elijah with Elisha, Jesus and the disciples, Paul with Timothy and Moses with Joshua. These are practical, biblical examples of spiritual covering. The way in which Paul wrote to the churches, loved and admonished them is an example of the practicalities of covering.
Spiritual covering provides benefits and blessings, but are found within the context of a relationship. It is not something an administrator can setup but is something that happens in the heart. God intends for everyone to be under spiritual covering so that they can mature, bless others, receive blessing and so that there can be a flow of love and grace through the body of Christ.
One marvelous benefit of being a true spiritual son or daughter (one who has a spiritual father) is that it provides a spiritual inheritance. Rather than having to work to lay a foundation you will be able to build on the foundation laid by another. This vital spiritual principle of covering and relationships is not meant to restrict you, but to bless, develop and facilitate maturity into destiny.
