Past disappointments can often govern our expectations, especially when it comes to what we believe God can do in our lives. We sometimes lower our expectations to match our experiences instead of aligning our expectations with the power of God. But as believers, we are urged to elevate our faith, to anticipate more, and to not confine God’s work within the narrow walls of our past.
When entering a place of worship, carry with you an expectant heart. It readies us for an encounter with the divine, placing a demand on God’s infinite capabilities. Yet, let’s acknowledge that God’s grace is so profound that He can move even when we least expect it, even when we’re not actively seeking Him.
We anchor our discussion on John 20:31. The passage highlights the intention behind the Gospel of John: “But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name.” This truth beckons us to greater faith, stirring up belief, and urging us to rely on Him for much more than merely material blessings.
As we walk into this year, dubbed the ‘Year of Wider Faith’, remember this – the righteous shall live by faith. God wants to expand our horizons beyond just praying for better jobs or houses; He desires for us to trust Him for monumental shifts in the spiritual realm.
The Currency of the Kingdom
The true currency of God’s Kingdom isn’t found in possessions but in people—God’s beloved creation. Our focus should then shift from accumulating more stuff to guiding more hearts towards Him. That’s where real transformation takes place.
Jesus Finds Us
This beautiful reality was manifest when Jesus encountered a man who had been invalid for 38 years near the pool of Bethesda. Despite being surrounded by the possibility of healing, the man remained unhealed, possibly symbolizing the ineffectiveness of strict adherence to religious law without the transformative presence of Christ.
Christ challenges our complacency by asking us not if we can be healed, but if we want to be healed, prompting a recognition of our helplessness and a need for divine intervention.
Do You Want to Be Made Well?
The invalid responded with excuses, highlighting a profound human tendency to embrace limitations. However, Jesus cut through these restraints with a simple command: “Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk.” And as the man obliged, he was healed instantly—a testament to the immediate power of obedience to Christ’s word.
Sin No More
Jesus’ miracle was not only a physical healing but also an instruction for spiritual renewal—”See, you are well again. Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you.” Every miracle thus becomes a call to repentance, a nudge closer to God, and an opportunity to align one’s life with His divine purpose.
Conclusion
Lets reflect upon your own spiritual journey’s. God is consistently reaching out, inviting us to draw closer, to delve deeper into a relationship with Him. Whether you’ve walked with Him for years or stand on the outskirts of faith, the question remains: Do you want to be made well? Let Jesus find you today, and may your response be one of faith, stepping into the fullness of life in His name.
