[Devotional] IN HIS PRESENCE: Just take the first step

Read: LUKE 5:17-26

Meditation verse:

“… and they said to one another, ‘why are we sitting here until we die’?” (2 Kings 7:3).

Arise’ is an action word. It connotes a getting up or a shifting from an original position and naturally, effort will be required. The paralytic in today’s passage arose immediately he heard Jesus’ command. He could have hesitated in doubt or tried to analyze the “practical reality” of his situation. After all, he had been bedridden for a while and the joints of his limbs may have gone stiff. Instead, he chose the path of faith and action by an immediate response to the Master’s command.

In a similar setting, four leprous men sitting at the entrance of the gate of Samaria contemplated their options; go into the city and surrender to the Syrians or remain seated outside the gate and die of starvation. They chose the path of action and went into the city. To their utmost surprise, the city was empty. God had caused the Syrians to hear the noise of a great army and they had fled in haste leaving their supplies behind. God who caused the Syrians to flee also caused a stirring in the heart of the starving lepers and just like the paralytic man, they responded. By acting, the lepers had their needs met and served as contact points for God’s provision to an entire nation (2 Kings 7:3-8).

Today, you may feel stuck and unfulfilled in a particular area of your life; maybe you are unemployed, and you desire to get a job or set up your own business. Or your marriage feels dull and lifeless, or your health is failing because you are overweight. Chances are the Holy Spirit is prompting you right now to do something about it as you read these words. The question is ‘how will you respond’? Will you rise in faith to do the needful or will you sit back in doubt? The key to receiving your miracle lies in stepping out and acting. You may also be a contact point for someone else’s miracle and God may be waiting for you to take that bold step. He will not stir up your spirit unless He has already gone ahead to make provisions for you. Remember ‘winning starts with beginning” (Robert H Schuller).

IN HIS PRESENCE is written by Pst (Mrs) Oke Chinye, Founder of The Rock Teaching Ministry (TRTM).

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