Impartation and the Fallout of Falling Out

The Cost of a Power Encounter

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Encounter is a pillar in the culture of revival. It’s one of the sacred rhythms of life in the ekklesia - the called-out ones. Few things stir spiritual hunger like hearing the testimony of someone marked by the fire of God. For generations, the Church has been shaped by these holy collisions between heaven and earth. And yet, for all the beauty, joy, and wonder they bring-true encounters with God are costly.

This cost, however, is not punishment. It’s an invitation into greater obedience, deeper transformation, and a life more conformed to the image of Christ.

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The Power and Purpose of Impartation

Impartation is more than a touch or a goosebump moment at the altar. It is a spiritual transfer-sometimes of anointing, sometimes of commissioning, and always a deepening of intimacy with the Spirit of God.

Paul writes to the Romans:

“For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you.”

Romans 1:11

This was not just a charismatic novelty-it was a New Testament norm. From Moses to Elijah, from Jesus to the apostles, we see the pattern: men and women carrying mantles pass them on. Elijah passed his to Elisha (2 Kings 2), Jesus breathed on the disciples to receive the Holy Spirit (John 20:22), and Paul laid hands to stir up spiritual gifts in Timothy (2 Tim. 1:6). The thread of impartation weaves through scripture like fire passed from torch to torch.

But fire does more than illuminate-it refines. The glory of God will mark you, but it will also melt anything that cannot remain.

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A Glorious Burden: What Revival History Teaches Us

Church history is not silent about the price of encounter. Consider the Welsh Revival of 1904. Evan Roberts was marked by divine fire, but he was also nearly crushed under the weight of spiritual warfare, exhaustion, and public scrutiny. The Azusa Street Revival (1906–1915), sparked by the humble William J. Seymour, changed the trajectory of modern Christianity-but not without fierce resistance, racism, and division in the body.

Every generation has its own version of “fallout” following fire:

• Jonathan Edwards, though instrumental in the First Great Awakening, was later dismissed from his church.

• Maria Woodworth-Etter endured persecution and slander as manifestations of the Holy Spirit challenged the religious norms of her day.

• John G. Lake saw healing revival spread through Africa and America—while enduring the tragic death of his wife and many personal losses.

The impartation marked them-and so did the cost.

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Why Does It Feel Like All Hell Breaks Loose?

I often speak with people who, after receiving a powerful prophetic word or impartation, experience chaos instead of clarity. The peace they expected feels far off. The doors they thought would open seem to slam shut. In these moments, I remind them: You’re not off track. You’re being forged.

When Jesus was baptized and the Spirit descended like a dove, what came next? Forty days of testing in the wilderness. When Paul encountered Jesus on the Damascus road, he was blinded for three days. The glory always seems to be followed by the furnace.

“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though something strange were happening to you…”

1 Peter 4:12

The cost of a power encounter is real—but so is the reward. Sometimes the opposition confirms the impartation.

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Acts 1:8—The Mandate of Power

“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses…”

Acts 1:8

The power we receive isn’t for platform, fame, or spiritual superiority. It is unto witness. The Greek word for “witness” in this verse -martys- is the same root where we get the word martyr. It’s a sobering reminder: impartation isn’t about status; it’s about surrender.

When you receive power from on high, you’re also receiving a cross. And that cross is not just personal-it’s missional.

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From My Call to The Call

Impartation should not drive us into spiritual narcissism but toward deeper submission. Every personal mission must be in alignment with the Great Commission. The gifts of the Spirit are not badges-they are tools. And every tool must be wielded in service to the Kingdom.

“For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your bond-servants for Jesus’ sake.”

2 Corinthians 4:5

In the Kingdom, Jesus is the center. Your gift, your mantle, your moment-these are not about you. They are about glorifying the Lamb who was slain.

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From Fallout to Formation

If you’re in the aftermath of a powerful encounter and wondering, Where did the peace go? Why does everything feel harder now?, don’t lose heart.

You’re not being disqualified-you’re being formed. The fire didn’t miss you. It marked you. But now it must mature you.

You may feel like you’re surviving. But if you recognize the presence in the process, you’ll start thriving.

This isn’t punishment-it’s preparation.

And as history has shown us, those who endure the fire carry the flame.

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Final Thoughts:

He still lays hands. He still breathes. He still sends.

And if He’s marked you-it’s because He means to move through you.

Receive it. Steward it. Endure the fallout.

And let the world be changed.