Daily devotion – respond in faith
Throughout His ministry, Jesus spoke words of faith that brought healing and restoration to those in need. When faced with various challenges, Jesus demonstrated His authority and power, asking people to respond in faith. Whether it was a man with a withered hand, a paralyzed man, or a lame man at the pool of Bethesda, Jesus simply spoke a word of faith and expected a simple response of faith.
In Luke 6:10, Jesus told the man with a withered hand to “Stretch out your hand!” The man responded in faith, and he was healed. In Luke 5:24, Jesus commanded the paralyzed man to “Arise, take up your bed and walk and go home.” The man obeyed in faith and received his healing.
However, in John 5:2-9, we see a different response from the lame man at the pool of Bethesda. Jesus asked him a simple question, “Would you like to be healed?” Instead of responding with faith, the man focused on his problem and made excuses.
At times, we may find ourselves responding to God’s prompting in a similar way. When God asks us to step out in faith or to trust Him in a specific situation, we may respond with doubt, fear, or a list of excuses. We may feel inadequate or uncertain about the outcome.
Yet, Jesus and the early apostles demonstrated that God’s word of faith can bring miraculous transformation. Peter, in Acts 3:3-8, spoke with authority in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, commanding the lame man to rise up and walk. The man believed and received instant healing, leaping with joy after 40 years of paralysis.
Embrace God’s Word of Faith: When God speaks to you through His Word or through the Holy Spirit’s prompting, open your heart to receive His word of faith. Trust that God’s plans are good and that His power is sufficient to accomplish His purposes.
Respond with Simple Faith: When faced with challenges or when God asks you to step out in obedience, respond with simple faith. Set aside doubts and fears, and trust that God will work all things together for your good as you follow His leading.
Let Go of Excuses: Resist the temptation to make excuses or focus on your limitations. Instead, fix your eyes on Jesus, who is the author and finisher of our faith. Believe that with God, all things are possible, and He can accomplish what seems impossible to us.
Remember, faith pleases God, and responding in faith opens the door to God’s miraculous work in your life. Let us follow the example of those who heard Jesus’ word of faith and received healing, restoration, and transformation. By faith, look to Him and trust Him to do exactly what He asks you to do.
Hebrews 11:6 (NKJV): “But without faith, it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”