Faith to be Healed

Acts 3:6-7,16
Today my quiet time was in Acts 3.  I read about the miraculous healing of the crippled beggar  at the Beautiful Gate by Peter – well, the Holy Spirit acting through Peter.  I’ve read this passage numerous times, but the Truth of it finally hit me today.  The beggar was healed by the Holy Spirit because Peter had faith – he believed. 

What is faith? Faith is trust or confidence in God.  To have faith (to relate rightly with God) you must believe (in Greek, the verb form of Faith – Faith in action) that God is, that God has revealed Himself in Christ, and to accept God accepts you. Faith is what we believe, it is Christianity itself, but primarily it is the relationship we have with God through what Jesus accomplished in His death and resurrection.¹  Peter believed in God, in Jesus Christ and in the power of Christ’s Holy Spirit living in him.  And he believed that Power would heal the beggar to demonstrate His Glory and bring others to a saving faith.

I don’t know about you, but this realization of what faith is and the demonstration of it through Peter, was incredibly convicting.  I am guilty of Smallness of Faith – I put limits on what I believe God can do instead of boldly believing He can heal me.  And do I need to be healed?  Definitely.  I need to be healed everyday from the attacks the enemy throws at me.  Healed from paralyzing fear, doubt, the delusion of self-sufficiency, selfishness, and physical illness.

I became a Child of God 18 years ago and I have yet to realize the full extent of my salvation because I will not believe.  I limit my faith to mere human parameters and do not open myself up to the healing He wants to pour out on me and on to others through me. 

I’m tired of trying to heal my wounds myself – feeling the pain of them festering and spreading.  I believe in the power of my God and am ready to let Him heal me inside and out.  Are you?

By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong.  It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has given this complete healing to him, as you can all see. Acts 3:16


Kari Jobe’s song, Healer, is a beautiful song of praise to our Healer.  Take the time to give Him back your thanks.  You can sing the song out loud or say it in prayer.  And, if this song does not speak to you, find a way to express your gratitude to God for His healing grace.

Healer–Kari Jobe

If by reading today you’ve realized you are not in a saving relationship with Christ, please go here for resources and guidance.  And, also, feel free to contact me at grumpypantskelly@gmail.com
¹Holman’s Bible Dictionary Online

Friendships

Last weekend I attended a women's retreat organized by several members of my Sunday school class.  It was just us girls from the class and it was awesome.  We spent time being silly, staying up late, eating, and learning about each other and God's Word.  Our speaker was Tammie Head, a woman for our church who founded Totally Captivated Ministries. She was incredible!  We learned that our insecurities keep us from close relationship with God and with other women.  Well, it's a concept I always knew but when she said it and explained it - it finally clicked.  I have to just say, my church is awesome!  I mean, not only has Tammie been a result of our church's focus on ministry and encouraging everyone in the purpose God has given them, but also Beth Moore.  And Tammie is Becky's mentor, encouraging her in ministry as well.  I know we also have several other ladies who have written Christian books or studies too.  It's that emphasis on living out your faith rather than demanding to just be fed, that led D and I to join.

To learn more about our retreat visit Becky's and Ally's blogs - they really captured the entire event.

At the end of the retreat, we all shared what we learned and, wow, did we ever learn!  We discovered we were all craving deeper relationships with each other but let our insecurities keep us from each other.  We made a decision to reach out to each other more and keep cliques from our class. 

Then, this week I came upon this post at Kelly's Korner telling us about Lisa Whelchel's (of Facts of Life fame) new book, Friendships for Grown Ups.  And today Kelly posted an interview with Lisa where they discussed friendship. 

Check out Lisa's book and Kelly's post if you are struggling with this issue.  I cannot wait to read it! 

Let's all reach out to each other a little bit more.

Beth Rocks!

Ok, Beth Moore's new Bible study, Esther: It's Tough Being a Woman is out. Lifeway AllAccess website is giving away a free Leader Kit. Check it out, you may win and could donate it to your church or other worthy cause after you've done it.