An Interview with Leif Hetland

In the journey of faith, there are moments when the supernatural intersects with the natural in extraordinary ways. These are the moments when God’s power is not just believed in, but tangibly experienced—moments that leave an indelible mark on both the individual and the community. Recently, I had the privilege of sitting down with my friend Leif Hetland to discuss such moments, specifically focusing on the operation of the gift of faith in his ministry. Leif shared profound stories that highlight the difference between having faith in God and moving with the very faith of God—a faith that sees miracles before they happen.

The Gift of Faith in Action

Leif recalled a powerful moment that took place about 18 or 19 years ago in Cuba, during a time when many believers were still facing persecution. He described a scene of darkness, where a small gathering of about 100 people met under the dim light of a generator-powered bulb. Among the crowd was a paraplegic woman sitting in a wheelchair, positioned right at the front. As Leif approached her, he sensed something different—an assurance that went beyond his usual faith in God’s power. He knew, without a doubt, that this woman was going to dance.

Leif described this experience as the gift of faith, a moment when he wasn’t merely exercising his own faith but was moving with the faith of God. He told the woman, through a translator, that he wanted to dance with her. Despite the translator’s objections, Leif persisted. Then, as he reached out his hand, the power of God hit the woman, and she stood up from her wheelchair. Together, they danced before the astonished crowd. This was no ordinary healing; it was a moment that changed the atmosphere and opened the door for many more miracles to unfold.

Knowing Before It Happens

One of the most intriguing aspects of Leif’s stories is how he knew these miracles were going to happen before they actually did. This wasn’t a confidence that he conjured up; it was an assurance placed in him by God. As Leif explained, it was as though God had already given him an A+ on the test before he even began. He wasn’t guessing or hoping—he knew. This knowing, he believes, is the hallmark of the gift of faith.

Leif shared another example from the same trip to Cuba, where he encountered a man with extremely thick glasses, barely able to see. Leif asked the man to remove his glasses and then handed him a Bible to read. Again, despite the translator’s skepticism, Leif insisted. The man, who could barely see without his glasses, began to read the Bible clearly, his vision completely restored. Just like the first instance, Leif knew it was going to happen before it did—a clear sign of the gift of faith in operation.

The Ripple Effect of Faith

These moments of faith don’t just impact the individual; they create a ripple effect that touches everyone present. Leif recounted a powerful story from Cambodia, where he witnessed not just physical healings, but a miraculous restoration of literacy. During a meeting, a woman who had never learned to read or write came forward. Leif, moved by the gift of faith, declared that Jesus came to restore all that was lost, including the ability to read. When the woman began reading the Bible in front of the crowd, the atmosphere shifted, and suddenly, over eighty people who had never learned to read were able to do so.

This ripple effect is a testament to the fact that the gift of faith is not just about individual miracles but about transforming entire communities. When God’s faith operates through us, it creates an environment where anything is possible, where the impossible becomes a reality, and where the miraculous becomes the norm.

Humility in the Midst of Miracles

Throughout our conversation, Leif emphasized the importance of humility in operating in the gift of faith. It’s easy to be caught up in the awe of what God is doing, but Leif reminded us that these moments are not about showcasing human greatness but about glorifying God. True humility recognizes that these miracles are a result of God’s grace, not our efforts. When we remain humble, we create space for God’s power to flow freely, and the atmosphere is charged with His presence.

Conclusion

The stories Leif shared are powerful reminders of what can happen when we move in the gift of faith. These are not just stories of physical healing but testimonies of how God’s faith can transform lives and communities. When we yield to the Holy Spirit and allow the gift of faith to operate, we step into a realm where God’s power is not just something we believe in but something we experience firsthand. And as Leif so beautifully demonstrated, when we operate in God’s faith, we can be confident that miracles will follow.

I hope these stories inspire you to seek a deeper experience of the gift of faith in your own life. As we walk with God, may we always be open to those extraordinary moments when His faith becomes ours, and the impossible becomes a reality.

Blessings,

John Proodian

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