Acts 5:15-16 NLT
As a result of the apostles’ work, sick people were brought out into the streets on beds and mats so that Peter’s shadow might fall across some of them as he went by. Crowds came from the villages around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those possessed by evil spirits, and they were all healed.
Are people coming to me because of the work that God is doing in my life?
Think about this deeply for a few minutes…
Sick people were being brought out into the street with the hope that Peter’s shadow MIGHT fall on them so they could be healed.
If you wonder why people don’t want more of what you’ve got, you may want to examine what’s going on in your life.
Being a Christian, our lives should be marked with a change due to God’s work in our lives, and it should be blindingly evident in our lives that others will see.
If it is not, the chances are good that there is unresolved sin in our hearts, which will separate us from God’s healing power in our lives.
”John, hold on, hold on… How often should I be thinking about God? I mean, I have to work and take care of my family, and I like to hunt? When do I have time for all this reflection?”
Great, question.
The simple answer to this is, you should be reflecting on God ALL the time.
Jesus should be at the center of EVERYTHING we do. Period.
If we leave Jesus out of any decision, this is a willing act of pride, and pride is the one thing that God stands directly in opposition to.
Matthew 6:33 NLT
Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
Back to the question, we started with, is God working in your life that others are noticing and asking questions?
This is an important question.
If the thought in our minds is that the people around us don’t get it, we are questioning the sovereign nature of God; we are saying, ”God, You don’t know what You’re doing.”
Here’s what God is waiting for. He is waiting for YOU to submit to His will.
Can your faith in His power be so powerful that people will look to you for answers when things are falling apart around us?
Yes, it can if you are willing to put in the work. Here is a quick list of things to consider:
1. The source of God’s knowledge is only found in the Bible.
Everything we need to face our challenges is in that book.
Make it the #1 priority in your life to be in God’s word daily, not focusing on how the words apply to others but with your reading’s sole focus on the change of heart that YOU need to make in your life.
Joshua 1:6-9 NLT
”Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to their ancestors I would give them. Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do. Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. This is my command-be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
2. Prayer and meditation. Let the Word of God dwell richly in your mind. Always.
When these words are first and foremost in our minds, our behavior will change. Our focus will change.
When our behavior changes, people take notice.
Try this, memorize this verse:
Psalm 86:5 NLT
O Lord, you are so good, so ready to forgive, so full of unfailing love for all who ask for your help.
Let this verse be your marching orders.
Always, ”ready to forgive” and always, ”full of unfailing love for ALL who ask for your help.”
How do you think that will effect those around you? And how they see you?
3. Be in fellowship with other believers. Vital.
Proverbs 27:17 NLT
As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.
Matthew 18:20 NLT
For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.”
Wouldn’t it make sense to be in the presence of God?
You can be, where two or more are gathered in His name, He is there.
How about getting together with your wife or husband, brother, or sister, praying for blessing on your family, community, and church? He is there!
How about a believing coworker, praying for blessing, and God’s hand in your work? He is there!
Heavenly Father, Let Your word dwell richly in my mind but, more importantly, let it influence my behavior, let it change how I act in the presence of others.
Let them see Your hand in my life, let them be able to say, ”There is a person blessed by God.”
I thank You, Lord, for the work You are doing in my life. Help me realize that the challenges You allow to happen in my life are there, not to irritate me but to help make me stronger for Your purpose.
Let Your light shine brightly with an unshakable faith in Your power to heal and reconcile not only me but those around me as well.
In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen!! 🙏🏻❤️
