I must confess that as much as I know about the power of God and His desire for me, there are probably many things that I just live with instead of seeking His power to help me. We all have areas where we suffer, whether it's emotional challenges, our physical health, finances, relationally, or even spiritually. I don't know about you, but I do not want any areas of my life to be stuck. I want to move forward -- always praying, always seeking, always placing my faith in the One who can really help. The question I have challenged myself with this year is, "Who should I place my faith in?" instead of, "What should I settle for?"
Let's take a look at a few scriptures about people who reached out in faith to the One who could really help them.
John 5:2-6 (NIV):
2 Now there is in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate a pool, which in Aramaic is called Bethesda and which is surrounded by five covered colonnades. 3 Here a great number of disabled people used to lie--the blind, the lame, the paralyzed. 5 One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, "Do you want to get well?"
Questions to reflect on:
Do YOU really want to get well? Think through these areas and see what, if anything, is holding you back. Where are you stuck?
Emotionally
Relationally
Financially
Spiritually
Physically
John 5:7-9 (NIV):
7 "Sir," the invalid replied, "I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me." 8 Then Jesus said to him, "Get up! Pick up your mat and walk." 9 At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked.
We need to realize that he walked "at once." No need to go into the pool. No need for a doctor. No need to do anything except put his faith in Jesus and ask for His help. This man tried things his way for a long time, but it wasn't until he placed his faith in Jesus that he was finally well.
Matthew 9:20-22 (NIV):
20 Just then a woman who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak. 21 She said to herself, "If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed." 22 Jesus turned and saw her. "Take heart, daughter," he said, "your faith has healed you." And the woman was healed from that moment.
Because this woman rendered unclean anyone she touched, she should not have even been in this heavy crowd. Many teachers avoided touching women altogether, lest they become accidentally contaminated. Thus since she could not touch or be touched, she had probably never married or was now divorced, and she was marginal to Jewish society. She took a risk and placed her faith in Jesus, daring to reach out as he passed by. Her faith made her well the moment she reached out. (Bible Background Commentary, The IVP Bible Background Commentary)
Luke 18:35-43 (NIV):
35 As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. 36 When he heard the crowd going by, he asked what was happening. 37 They told him, "Jesus of Nazareth is passing by." 38 He called out, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" 39 Those who led the way rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" 40 Jesus stopped and ordered the man to be brought to him. When he came near, Jesus asked him, 41 "What do you want me to do for you?" "Lord, I want to see," he replied. 42 Jesus said to him, "Receive your sight; your faith has healed you."
Again, this man dared to cry out to Jesus, knowing that He was the One in which to place his faith. He was rewarded with sight from Jesus because of his faith.
1 Corinthians 2:1-5 (NIV):
1 When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. 2 For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 3 I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. 4 My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, 5 so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power.
Paul experienced God's power firsthand many times over. He knew that Jesus was the only place to put his faith.
Questions to reflect on:
What do you want Jesus to do for you this year? Will you trust him to help you get well?
This year, reach out to Jesus in faith. As the scriptures show, He can be trusted. I'm looking forward to hearing from you. Email me and let me know what some of your New Year's resolutions are to experience the fullness of God more in 2017 at michaelb@ptlb.com.
Faithfully,
Pastor Michael Baggett
Faith-based Singles' Community
If you are a single adult looking for a safe faith community, be sure to check out Bridges at BridgesSacramento.com. Bridges is a weekly gathering in a casual, friendly environment that encourages single adults to develop great friendships and healthy relationships. We meet Thursday nights from 7:00-8:30 p.m. at Life Community Church in Roseville, CA. All are welcome. Click HERE for more information and other Bridges events.