It’s good to be anointed, but we should never confuse anointing with spirituality. One story from the Old Testament particularly illustrates the external nature of the anointing. It concerns King Saul. Saul chose not to do things God’s way and was ultimately removed from office. But there was a point in his life where he was heard prophesying by the Spirit of God (1 Samuel 10:12). Given Saul’s poor spiritual state this was surprising! The reason for this unexpected display of spiritual gifting on Saul’s part was that at the time that he prophesied he was in the company of the prophets and therefore came under the anointing of the Holy Spirit that was upon them. Under that anointing he did what prophets do – he prophesied. But the moment he walked away, he just went straight back to being the old Saul, unable to speak one prophetic word. That’s how it is for many people during a revival. They find themselves in a place where the Spirit of God is moving, and whilst there they come under that anointing and may even do great things. But when the revival leaves town, they go back to their old life in which miracles, signs, and wonders are rare or non-existent.