14 Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you. 1 Tim 4:14. For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 2 Tim 1:7. NIV.
Twice Paul mentions that a gift was imparted to Timothy which included the laying on of hands. The Bible is clear that the Spirit is the one who distributes spiritual gifts to the individual members. So, what role is fulfilled by the laying on of hands? The act of laying hands on a person for a gift is the acknowledgement of what God is already doing in a person and lays a foundation for the exercising of that gift. Samuel was not allowed to anoint any of David’s brothers (because that was not God’s plan). However, he anointed David. This act laid the foundation for David to grow into his Kingship which included bravery, honesty, serving others, leading others, and trusting God to help him.
Ask leaders you trust to pray for the gifts that you desire in your life to stir them into flame. Listen to your words that will reveal your heart gift bent. You have permission to fulfill your spiritual gift in all humility and obedience. People long to know if they “have what it takes”. The laying on of hands and prophetic words of encouragement just may be the foundation you can give them to grow into their calling…Just like Moses did for Joshua.
Blessings Love y’all.