What role does faith play in experiencing God's power in our lives? The Setting • Peter and John have just healed a man lame from birth (Acts 3:1-10). • A crowd gathers, astonished. Peter explains the miracle by pointing to one cause: faith in the risen Jesus. Key Verse “By faith in His name, this man whom you see and know was made strong; it is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through Him that has given him this complete healing in your presence.” — Acts 3:16 What Faith Is • Trusting confidence that God will do exactly what He has revealed (Hebrews 11:1). • A gift that “comes through” Jesus (Acts 3:16), not self-generated (Ephesians 2:8). • An active reliance demonstrated in word and action (James 2:17). How Faith Unlocks God’s Power • Faith connects us to Jesus’ authority: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me” (Matthew 28:18). • It invites God’s power to operate: “If you have faith the size of a mustard seed…nothing will be impossible for you” (Matthew 17:20). • It releases healing and deliverance, as in the lame man’s restored limbs (Acts 3:1-16) and the woman with the issue of blood (Mark 5:34). • It brings forgiveness and spiritual life: “Your faith has saved you; go in peace” (Luke 7:50). Examples from Scripture • Joshua 6: Faith in God’s word topples Jericho’s walls. • 1 Kings 18: Elijah trusts God to send fire; power falls on Mount Carmel. • Mark 2:1-12: Friends lower a paralytic; Jesus responds to “their faith” with healing and pardon. • Acts 16:25-34: Paul and Silas sing in prison; faith opens doors and births a church. Practical Steps to Strengthen Faith • Feed on Scripture daily—“Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17). • Pray in alignment with God’s promises (Mark 11:22-24). • Recall past acts of God; testimony fuels expectation (Psalm 77:11-12). • Walk in obedience; each step of surrendered action enlarges trust (John 14:21). • Fellowship with believers who exercise faith (Hebrews 10:24-25). Living Today in the Power of God • Approach every need—physical, emotional, spiritual—in Jesus’ name, expecting His capability. • Speak truth over circumstances, anchoring words in Scripture. • Act as though God’s promise is already true, because it is. • Give Him glory publicly, just as Peter did, so faith in others may rise. God’s power flows where genuine faith rests in the trustworthy, living Christ. Choose today to lean wholly on Him and watch His strength be made perfect in your life. |
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