How can we cultivate faith to witness miracles like in Acts 5:15? Setting the scene in Acts 5:15 “As a result, people brought the sick into the streets and laid them on cots and mats so that at least Peter’s shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by.” The atmosphere was charged with expectancy. Believers and onlookers alike were convinced that Jesus, through His apostles, would intervene supernaturally. What the passage teaches about faith • Faith is contagious—crowds believed because the apostles lived out bold trust in Christ. • Faith looks to Jesus, not human skill; Peter’s mere shadow held no power, but the risen Lord did. • Faith acts—people carried the sick outside, anticipating divine action. Foundation: anchoring faith in God’s Word • Romans 10:17: “So faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.” – Regular, thoughtful reading, memorization, and proclamation of Scripture enlarge confidence in God’s character. • Hebrews 11:6: “Without faith it is impossible to please God…” – Believe both His existence and His willingness to reward a seeking heart. Cultivating an atmosphere of expectation • Gather with believers who honor the authority of Scripture and the present ministry of the Holy Spirit (Acts 4:31). • Share testimonies; recount answered prayer and past miracles to fuel hope (Psalm 77:11). • Sing truth-filled worship that magnifies God’s power (Colossians 3:16). Practicing bold, Word-saturated prayer • Acts 4:24-30 shows the church praying Scripture aloud and asking for signs that glorify Jesus. • Pray specifically for needs, naming God’s promises (Mark 11:24). • Persist; the early believers “devoted themselves to prayer” (Acts 1:14). Walking in holiness and obedience • James 5:16 links righteousness and effective prayer. • Repent quickly, keep short accounts with God and others, and obey promptings of the Spirit; purity protects authority (2 Timothy 2:21). Serving through compassionate action • In Acts 5 the apostles engaged the hurting; compassion opens a channel for God’s power (Matthew 14:14). • Offer practical help—meals, visits, encouragement—while expecting the Lord to work through you. Depending on the Holy Spirit daily • Acts 4:31: “They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.” • Yield control each morning; invite the Spirit to guide thoughts, words, and deeds (Ephesians 5:18). Remaining humble and united • God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble (1 Peter 5:5). • Unity among believers (Acts 4:32) removes spiritual roadblocks and draws divine blessing (Psalm 133:1-3). Expecting God to confirm His Word • Mark 16:20: “The Lord worked through them, confirming His word by the signs that accompanied it.” • Share the gospel plainly; miracles often accompany the proclamation of Christ (John 14:12). In short, immerse yourself in Scripture, pray boldly, live in holiness, serve compassionately, depend on the Spirit, walk in unity, and proclaim Jesus with expectancy. These practices cultivate the kind of faith through which God still delights to display His power as He did in Acts 5:15. |
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