Same Mission
This man heard Paul speaking. Paul, observing him intently and seeing that he had faith to be healed. ~ Acts 14:9
As we read through the book of Acts, a recurring theme begins to take place. The sequence of events tends to repeat: opportunity, obstacles, overcoming, and growth. Today’s reading in Acts 14 is no exception. Paul and Barnabas were in Lystra, faithfully preaching the gospel. As Paul shared the message, he noticed a man who had never walked before. Paul could see faith rising in him, and at that moment, he stopped preaching and told the man to stand up and the man did. Miraculously, he was instantly healed.
But then came an obstacle. The crowd, instead of recognizing the power of God, thought Paul and Barnabas were mythical gods and tried to worship them.
What often goes unnoticed in this passage is the journey of the man who was healed. He, too, experienced opportunity, obstacle, overcoming, and growth. His story still speaks to us today.
When we find ourselves in need of a miracle or breakthrough, we can learn a lot from his example.
1. He was present and listening.
The first thing we see is that the man was at the gathering, listening to the Word of God. This is critical for building the kind of faith that moves mountains. Romans 10:17 reminds us that faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God. The man put himself in position to hear the message and let it sink into his heart. If you’re seeking answers or healing today, this is where to start. Spend time in God’s Word. Sit in quiet moments with Him daily. Make it a habit to attend church weekly and join a samll group where the Word is being studied, and faith is stirred.
2. He believed.
This man didn’t just hear, he also believed. He believed that Jesus came to save and to heal. He believed that the message Paul preached applied to him. If you’re facing a challenge, believe that God has an answer for you, and it’s not just natural, it’s supernatural. Believe that He wants you healed, whole, and strong. That He has grace for every moment, and that restoration, physical, emotional, or relational, is possible.
3. He acted.
When Paul said, “Stand up,” the man didn’t argue. He didn’t make excuses. He didn’t list all the reasons it shouldn’t work. He simply responded in faith. As he put action behind that faith and stood up, his miracle happened. The same is true for us. When God speaks, we need to respond. If you’re unsure of what to do next, ask the Holy Spirit to show you your next step. It may seem small or even unexpected, but it will never contradict God’s Word or character. It may be as simple as forgiving someone, making a phone call, or taking a step toward something you’ve been praying about. Whatever it is, your obedient action is often the final piece of the miracle coming to pass.
Here is how to start putting your faith into action:
- Set aside a specific time each day to pray and read God’s Word.
- Listen to a message that builds your faith and strengthens your trust in God.
- Stay connected to a church community where you can grow and be encouraged.
- Write down one step of obedience you sense God is asking of you and take it.
- Ask the Holy Spirit for a scripture to stand on and speak it daily over your situation.
Today I want to encourage you to expect that with every opportunity from God, challenges may come, but so will His power to help you overcome. Don’t be discouraged by the obstacles. Let them become steppingstones as you walk out your mission. Be like the man at Lystra and listen to the Word, believe the Word, and act on the Word. God’s miracles are available for you, and He wants to partner with you to bring them to pass. With His Word as your foundation and His Spirit as your guide, you can walk boldly in faith today.
Today’s scripture reading: Acts 14:8-18
8 And in Lystra a certain man without strength in his feet was sitting, a cripple from his mother’s womb, who had never walked.
9 This man heard Paul speaking. Paul, observing him intently and seeing that he had faith to be healed,
10 said with a loud voice, “Stand up straight on your feet!” And he leaped and walked.
11 Now when the people saw what Paul had done, they raised their voices, saying in the Lycaonian language, “The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!”
12 And Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker.
13 Then the priest of Zeus, whose temple was in front of their city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates, intending to sacrifice with the multitudes.
14 But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard this, they tore their clothes and ran in among the multitude, crying out
15 and saying, “Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men with the same nature as you and preach to you that you should turn from these useless things to the living God, who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and all things that are in them,
16 who in bygone generations allowed all nations to walk in their own ways.
17 Nevertheless He did not leave Himself without witness, in that He did good, gave us rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.”
18 And with these sayings they could scarcely restrain the multitudes from sacrificing to them.
Journal:
- What area of your life are you believing for a breakthrough?
- What is one small step you can take today to position yourself to hear, believe, and act on God’s Word?
The Daily Dose 