RECEIVE THE WORD OF GOD IN FAITH

SCRIPTURE:

“In Lystra, there sat a man who was lame. He had been that way from birth and had never walked. 9 He listened to Paul as he was speaking. Paul looked directly at him, saw that he had faith to be healed 10, and called out, “Stand up on your feet!” At that, the man jumped up and began to walk.” (Acts 14:8—10 NIV)

OBSERVATION:

            Miracles happen when there’s a problem and faith.  The lame man probably had never imagined something was going to change in his life that day.  He was lame from birth and had never walked in his life.  This day, his whole life changed in an instant.  How this man got to where Paul was speaking is not known.  One can only assume that someone must have brought him there. 

            This man was sitting there listening to Paul as he was speaking.  Paul looked directly at him, SAW THAT HE HAS FAITH TO BE HEALED, and CALLED OUT, “ STAND UP ON YOUR FEET!   That is a word of knowledge spoken out at the right time.  I, too, must be like the lame man who listened to God’s word intentionally. 

            This is a powerful moment when Paul veers from the crowd, looks directly at the man, and sees that he has faith that he will be healed.  Though the message was spoken to the crowd that gathered and all heard it, oftentimes, the message is for that one person that no one is paying attention to. 

            It is not the hearers of the word of God that will change, but the one who hears the word and faith arise in their hearts.  I am reminded of this scripture: Faith comes by hearing and hearing the word of God.  Without faith, the word of God will not work.  Without faith, it is impossible to please God.  Faith always opens us up to receive God’s word. 

            Miracles always happen because there is a problem.  But listening to the word of God will cause faith to believe that with God, nothing is impossible.   Paul saw that the lame man had the faith to be healed, and he spoke to him directly. 

            Faith can be seen.  Jesus also saw the faith of the four friends who tore through the roof to bring their friend so he could heal them.  I learned today that I must look for FAITH in a person more than looking for results.  I need to pray for faith more than pray for healing.  When Paul saw FAITH, he released the WORD and called out, STAND UP ON YOUR FEET. 

            The lame man jumped up and began to walk.  When FAITH meets GOD’S WORD, also spoken in faith, miracles happen, and changes come about in people’s lives.  Faith mixed with the word spoken in faith always brings about a miracle.   

APPLICATION:

            I desire to be like Paul, who sees faith in people and speaks out the word in faith to see a miracle happen in their lives. Sometimes, I focus on the outcome rather than looking for faith in the people that I pray for.  I truly desire the Holy Spirit to help me see faith and speak His word directly to people’s situations and help them receive His word. 

PRAYER:

            Jesus, I thank you for the power that is in your word when spoken in faith and received in faith.  I pray that you continue to help me see faith in the people that you allow me to minister to.  I ask for the gift of discernment and the word of knowledge to be poured out over me a hundredfold so I may be able to help those who are in need.  Please help me to be sensitive to your Holy Spirit.  Please help me to see faith in people who are seeking you.  I ask that you help me have the faith to speak your word as well to those whom I minister to.  In your name Jesus, Amen!