The Man Was Healed Not Because Of His Own Effort, But Because He Listened And Kept His Faith
In Lystra there sat a man who was lame. He had been that way from birth and had never walked. He listened to Paul as he was speaking. Paul looked directly at him, saw that he had faith to be healed and called out, “Stand up on your feet!” At that, the man jumped up and began to walk.
Acts 14:8-10, NIV
There was this man who knew how it felt like to lack something. Perhaps, all throughout his life, he was looking for hope and healing. And here comes Paul, trying to present him the possible answers to his prayers. He listened to his message and received the hope that God wanted to give to him. Paul looked at directly to him and recognized the faith he had. Because of what he saw, he was compelled to declare healing to the lame man.
It’s important to note the one thing that touched Paul. It was the man’s faith that led him to his healing. And that faith comes from listening to the message of hope that Paul preached. That faith was born after he knew and realized who Jesus was.
This verse reminds us about the power of faith and how we can receive it. Romans 10:17 says, “Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.” The lame man had faith because he listened to what Paul said about Jesus. And this is how our faith will grow. This is how we will experience miracles and breakthroughs. It’s when we learn to consume the word about who Jesus Christ is.
The man was healed not because of his own effort but because he listened and kept his faith. Paul was drawn to declare healing to this man because the Holy Spirit allowed him to see his faith. So, if you are going through an impossible situation right now. And just like this lame man, you are also looking for hope and healing, then this is a reminder for you to keep your faith. Study the word of God. Read the stories about Jesus and believe with all your heart that He is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow.
Prayer: Father God, thank you so much for giving me the chance to know and love you. Thank you for always being there by my side. Thank you for reminding me to believe in you especially in the most challenging season of my life. Do it again, Lord. Just like what you did to the lame man, I pray that I’ll also receive your hope and healing. May your grace continue to change me from the inside out. Please give me faith to believe in your Name. This we ask, and pray, in Jesus’ Name, amen.
