What practical steps can we take to strengthen our faith in God's power? Verse in Focus “...This man listened to Paul as he was speaking. Paul looked directly at him, saw that he had faith to be healed...” (Acts 14:9) Key Observation: Faith Can Be Seen Paul discerned the crippled man’s faith simply by looking at him. Faith isn’t invisible in God’s economy—it shows up in posture, attitude, and responsiveness. That insight becomes our roadmap. Practical Steps to Strengthen Faith in God’s Power • Listen Intently to God’s Word – The lame man “listened.” Faith begins there. – “Consequently, faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.” (Romans 10:17) – Make daily Scripture intake non-negotiable—read aloud, use audio Bibles, discuss passages with family. • Fix Your Eyes on Jesus – Paul “looked directly” at the man; the man surely locked onto Paul’s message of Christ. – “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.” (Hebrews 12:2) – Shift focus from circumstances to the Savior through worship, meditation on His character, and memorizing Christ-centered verses. • Act on What You Hear – In the next verse Paul commands, “Stand up!” and the man obeys. – “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only.” (James 1:22) – Translate every new truth into at least one concrete obedience: forgive someone, give generously, testify publicly. • Pray with Expectation – Faith blossoms when we ask boldly and watch God answer. – “The prayer of a righteous man has great power to prevail.” (James 5:16) – Keep a prayer journal: date the request, record the answer, celebrate God’s intervention. • Surround Yourself with Faith-Builders – Paul wasn’t alone; Barnabas was beside him, believers around him. – “Let us consider how to spur one another on... not forsaking the assembly...” (Hebrews 10:24-25) – Join a small group, share testimonies, read biographies of faithful believers. • Rehearse God’s Track Record – Remembered miracles fuel fresh confidence. – “I will remember the works of the LORD; yes, I will remember Your wonders of old.” (Psalm 77:11) – End each day listing three ways you saw God’s power—big or small. • Affirm Possibility in Christ’s Name – Jesus said, “ ‘If You can?’ All things are possible to him who believes!” (Mark 9:23) – Speak Scripture over impossible situations; replace “I can’t” with “God can.” Living It Out This Week 1. Choose one Gospel chapter and read it aloud each morning. 2. Memorize Acts 14:9-10 and recite it whenever doubt surfaces. 3. Identify a step of obedience you’ve delayed—take it within 48 hours. 4. Share one answered prayer with a friend or group before week’s end. 5. Keep a running list of God’s interventions; re-read it every Sunday night. Faith grows when we keep listening, looking, and leaping—just like the man in Lystra who moved from lifelong paralysis to instant, joyous walking by the sheer power of God. |
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