Making Faith Work
Acts 9:31-33
After a narration of Saul’s dramatic conversion and his
early ministry, focus is back on Peter. He performs two remarkable miracles of restoration. Aeneas
who had been bed ridden in Lydda for eight years receives healing. Tabitha who
had died in Joppa is restored to life.
The clear message is that God is able to restore. God brought back what
Aeneas and Tabitha had lost. He can do
the same for what you have lost. Instead of dwelling on what happened to Aeneas
and Tabitha, let us consider how Peter made it happen. Restoration occurs when someone
steps out in faith like Peter. You can be God’s agent to address situations in
your life and around you. God is not just interested in giving you fish but
nets, skill and opportunity to fish. God wants you to be a giver and not just a
receiver. A minister not just an object for ministry. A participant not just a spectator.
Being blessed is more than what God does to/for you. It includes what He does
through you.
Walk worthy of faith. Peter was walking with God. He walked in submission to
Christ. When he healed Aeneas, he said ‘Jesus Christ heals you.’ (9:34) When he
raised Tabitha, he prayed first (9:40). His confidence shows that he knew his
God and his position (Daniel 11:32, 1 Timothy 1:12). The way Peter ministers to Aeneas and Tabitha
clearly shows he was following the model of Christ (John 5:8, 9; Mathew 9:25,
John 20:21). Peter is part of a church described as being Spirit filled, Spirit
encouraged and living in the fear of God (9:31). You cannot touch His people if
you have not touched Him. Peter’s right walk with God was the basis for the
authority and power he demonstrates. For you to step out in faith and act or
speak with power walk right with God. Exercising faith is different from
positive thinking psychology. Faith comes from a love and trust relationship with
God that frees Him to work in a situation.
Take a step of faith. Peter did not just
live right. He did not just pray. Having done everything else necessary, he took
a practical step of faith by speaking to the situations he faced. To Aeneas he
said ‘Get up and take your mat. (9:34)’. To Tabitha, he said ‘Tabitha, get up’
(9:40). Faith is based on God’s word (Romans 10:17) and should be exercised
(James 2:24). When Peter took the bold steps of obedience, something happened. Walking
with God gives authority (John 1:12) but taking action enforces and proves that
authority. In the example at hand, Peter used words. You need to speak to your
situations more. Situations have ears. Address them and align them with God’s
will. Words are not tools for communication only (transfer of
thought/meaning) but also for resisting the enemy (Matthew 16:23; James 4:7)
and transfer of power, blessings, life, encouragement, etc (Numbers 6:24;
Genesis 1:3f; Proverbs 18:21).
Hold fast to your faith. Peter took the risen Tabitha and helped bring her to her
feet (9:41). You may have to maintain your stand of faith and wait patiently for
things to become exactly as you believe God.
For Peter it was a shorter wait than can be. In any case, you hold fast
by acknowledging and thanking God for working. You refuse to waver in your
faith (James 1:8).
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