Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Faith Beyond Barriers

Bible Reading:  Acts 14:1-10

Key verse:  

 Acts 14:9 – “He listened to Paul as he was speaking. Paul looked directly at him, saw that he had faith to be healed.”

DEVOTION

In Acts 14, we see Paul and Barnabas preaching in Iconium and Lystra. There was strong opposition yet they spoke boldly and effectively for the Lord. In Lystra, a man who was lame form birth sat and listened. He had never walked but he listened to Paul as he was speaking. Paul perceived this faith and declared healing in Jesus’ name, and the man leaped up and walked.
Faith Breaks Barriers
The lame man had known only weakness and limitation. His situation seemed hopeless. Yet as he listened to Paul’s message, faith rose in his heart. Faith does not ignore our struggles, but it refuses to be defined by them. God can bring new life where we see only impossibilities. His faith brought about his transformation and God’s power enabled him to rise above his barrier of limitations. We can also see that even in an unfamiliar city, God’s Word reached the lame man’s heart and healed him. Faith has that power to work beyond cultural, physical, and spiritual barriers because it rests not on circumstances but on the living Christ. 
Faith Overcomes Opposition
Now if we look at Paul and Barnabas, it is very clear that they preached despite hostility. Though there were many people to oppose them, they did not stop preaching the Word of God. They stood for the Lord and thus the Word of God found its way into the heart of the lame man. Here we see the faith of Paul and Barnabas breaking through the oppositions. Likewise, when we hold firmly to Christ, our faith can break through the barriers of oppositions and evil forces. Our faith in God should not be limited by the obstacles we face. 
We must always remember that barriers are real, but they are not final. When we hear and believe God’s Word, He gives us the strength to rise above them. Like the lame man, we may face barriers of fear, doubt, or wounds from the past or like the apostles, we may face many obstacles in our faith journey. We must understand that God’s Word awakens faith that lifts us beyond them. Our role is to listen, believe, and rise at His command.

PRAYER

Lord Jesus, help me to place my faith in You beyond the barriers of my life. Where I feel weak, remind me of Your strength. Break down the walls of doubt and fear, and let me rise in Your power. Amen.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

How can we pursue god today ? He has given us healing and rescued us  from troubles and suffering.


Dr Teena T Elizabeth
St. Thomas MTC, Karakkal, Tiruvalla
 

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