Jesus moved from town to town and synagogue to synagogue, revealing the truth of who God is. He was full of revelation and even compassion as He healed those who had the faith to believe. With faith, a simple command to “stretch out your hand” transformed a single man and generations who would one day read about his restoration.
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An Active Faith
Not much is known about the man with the shriveled hand. However, what is known about him is powerful and instructive to us as believers today. I am confident in my statement that at one time or another, we have all asked God for healing. Whether it is for our health or marriage, we have all cried out to God. Yes, we all know the weight of desperation when we have a need and our thoughts are burdened with the hope of a miracle.
Nevertheless, faith is much more than wishful thinking. An active faith is alive and fueled by obedience and surrender to the one true and living God. It does not stand idly by but moves to the command of its source. The man with the shriveled hand was not swayed by the interrogation of the Pharisees when Jesus offered him healing. He did not run away from the controversy he was thrust into. Nor did he question the command Jesus gave him, a command that was in direct opposition to his condition. Instead, with the stretch of his hand he received healing. Thousands of years later, we are learning from his simple act of faith.
The Role Of Faith
God is all-powerful and sovereign over all. Yet and still, He invites us into the process of His work, even the work of miracles. God delights in His creation and He finds pleasure in those who believe in Him (Hebrews 11:6). Our demonstration of faith pleases Him and strengthens us. It is the greatest act of intimacy. Our faith draws us closer to the Father, where He desires us to be. So how is Jesus asking you to stretch out your hand? What is He asking of you? How is He instructing you to activate your faith? Your miracle is on the other side of your obedience.
Scripture To Meditate On
‘He replied to them, “Who among you, if he had a sheep that fell into a pit on the Sabbath, wouldn’t take hold of it and lift it out? A person is worth far more than a sheep; so it is lawful to do what is good on the Sabbath.” Then he told the man, “Stretch out your hand.” So he stretched it out, and it was restored, as good as the other. ‘
‘Now faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen. For by this our ancestors were approved. ‘
‘Now without faith it is impossible to please God, since the one who draws near to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. ‘
With Love,
Tamara
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References:
Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.
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