Faith, Hope, and Healing: Embracing God's Miraculous Power

Devotional

Day 1: God Still Works Miracles Today

God is still actively involved in the lives of His people, performing miracles that go beyond human ability and understanding. No matter what situation you face—be it in your health, finances, or relationships—God’s power is not limited by time or circumstance. The testimony of countless believers, both in Scripture and in our own community, affirms that God continues to heal, provide, and restore. When you encounter challenges that seem insurmountable, remember that you serve a God who delights in displaying His power among His people. Let your faith be stirred by the stories of others and by the promises found in God’s Word, knowing that nothing is too difficult for Him. [01:45]

Psalm 77:13-14 (ESV)
Your way, O God, is holy. What god is great like our God? You are the God who works wonders; you have made known your might among the peoples.

Reflection: Think of a time when you or someone you know experienced something only God could have done. How can remembering that moment encourage your faith for a current need?

Day 2: Hope Is the Thermostat of Faith

Hope is not just wishful thinking; it is a confident expectation rooted in God’s character and promises. When you face sickness or adversity, hope is the first spark that ignites faith, giving you the courage to believe for healing and breakthrough. Without hope, faith has nothing to give substance to, and even medical professionals recognize that hopelessness can hinder recovery. God’s Word is the source of living hope, reminding you that nothing is too difficult for Him and that His promises are true for you today. No matter how dire your circumstances, you can have an ever-living hope because of what Jesus has done. [13:58]

Hebrews 11:1 (ESV)
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

Reflection: Where in your life do you feel your hope has been deferred or diminished? What promise from God’s Word can you meditate on today to rekindle your hope?

Day 3: Know the Facts—God’s Word Is Greater Than Circumstances

Many people are destroyed or held captive by a lack of knowledge about who God is and what He has provided through Christ. The facts of God’s Word are greater than the facts of your circumstances, and knowing what Jesus accomplished on the cross is essential for receiving all that He has for you—including healing. Isaiah 53 reveals that Jesus bore not only your sins but also your sicknesses and pains, making healing a part of the salvation package. When you understand and believe these truths, you can stand firm against doubt and the enemy’s lies, confident that your healing has already been purchased. [24:15]

Isaiah 53:4-5 (ESV)
Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.

Reflection: What is one truth about God’s character or promise that you need to remind yourself of today, especially in an area where you are struggling to believe for breakthrough?

Day 4: Faith and Forgiveness—Keys to Receiving from God

Faith is more than believing that God can do something; it is the conviction that He will do it for you, leading you to act on His promises. Jesus consistently affirmed that faith was the key to receiving miracles, and He never turned away anyone who came to Him in faith. However, unforgiveness can short-circuit your faith and hinder your prayers. Choosing to forgive others, even when it’s difficult, keeps your heart open to God’s work and allows your faith to function as it should. Let go of any bitterness or resentment, and trust that God will honor your faith as you walk in forgiveness. [42:10]

Mark 11:22-25 (ESV)
And Jesus answered them, “Have faith in God. Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.”

Reflection: Is there someone you need to forgive today so that your faith can work unhindered? What step can you take right now to release that person to God?

Day 5: Patience—Staying the Course Until the Promise Comes

Receiving God’s promises often requires patience, as miracles do not always happen instantly. Patience is the spiritual thermostat that keeps you steady and unwavering while you wait for God’s answer to manifest. Even when doubts arise or the process takes longer than expected, refusing to give up and continuing to trust God is what brings the reward. The testing of your faith is meant to produce patience, making you mature and complete. Stay the course, keep your confidence in God, and let patience have its perfect work in you, knowing that He is faithful to fulfill what He has promised. [47:31]

James 1:2-4, 6 (ESV)
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing... But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to exercise patience as you wait for God’s promise? How can you practically “stay the course” this week, even if you don’t see immediate results?

Sermon Summary

Today’s focus is on the reality that God is still a miracle-working God, especially in the area of physical healing. Throughout history and in our own lives, we encounter situations that are beyond our ability to fix—whether in our bodies, our families, or our finances. In these moments, we are reminded that God’s power is not limited to the past; He is still actively involved in the lives of His people. Miracles are simply God stepping into our circumstances and doing what we cannot do for ourselves. The ministry of Jesus was marked by teaching, preaching, and healing, and that same power is available to us today.

Faith is the common denominator in every miracle. Every believer has been given a measure of faith, and that faith can grow as we hear God’s Word and listen to the testimonies of others. It’s important to remember that our faith is not based on our experiences or lack thereof, but on the unchanging promises of God. Even when we face ongoing struggles or unanswered prayers, we must not let our circumstances dictate our faith. Instead, we hold fast to what God has said, knowing that healing can come in many forms—sometimes instantly, sometimes through doctors, and sometimes progressively.

Five keys are essential for receiving healing. First, hope—a confident expectation rooted in God’s character and promises—is the starting point. Without hope, faith has nothing to give substance to. Second, we need the facts—knowledge of what God has provided for us in Christ, especially the finished work of healing accomplished through Jesus’ suffering and stripes. Third, faith itself must be present, not just as belief that God can heal, but as conviction that He will. This faith is built by hearing God’s Word, both the written (logos) and the spoken (rhema) as God makes it alive to us. Fourth, forgiveness is crucial; harboring unforgiveness short-circuits our faith and blocks the flow of God’s power in our lives. Finally, patience is required, as not all miracles happen instantly. Sometimes, the answer comes as we persist in faith, refusing to give up even when doubts arise.

God’s will is for us to be whole, and the healing Jesus purchased on the cross is part of the salvation package. We are called to keep our hope alive, fill our hearts with the truth of God’s Word, exercise faith, walk in forgiveness, and patiently trust God’s timing. In doing so, we position ourselves to witness God’s miraculous power in our lives.

Key Takeaways

1. Hope is the foundation for faith and healing. Without hope—a confident expectation rooted in God’s promises—faith has nothing to act upon. Even in the face of discouragement or past disappointments, it is vital to keep hope alive by meditating on God’s Word and remembering that nothing is too difficult for Him. Hope is not wishful thinking, but a living, ever-present assurance that God can and will move in our lives. [12:33]
2. Knowledge of God’s Word is essential for receiving healing. Many believers miss out on what God has provided simply because they lack knowledge of His promises. The facts of God’s Word—especially the finished work of Christ and the healing included in our salvation—enable us to stand firm even when circumstances contradict what we see or feel. Ignorance of God’s provision can rob us of our inheritance, but truth sets us free to receive. [20:32]
3. Faith is more than believing God can; it is the conviction that He will. True faith is being sure of what we hope for and convinced of what we do not see. This kind of faith comes from hearing God speak to us through His Word, both written and spoken directly to our hearts. Faith is activated by believing and speaking God’s promises, even in the face of contrary evidence. [33:42]
4. Forgiveness is a non-negotiable for effective faith. Unforgiveness short-circuits the power of faith and blocks the flow of God’s healing in our lives. No matter how justified our hurt may feel, we must choose to forgive others as Christ has forgiven us, so that our faith remains unhindered and we can receive all that God has for us. [42:10]
5. Patience is the spiritual thermostat that keeps us steady while we wait for God’s promise to manifest. Not all miracles are instantaneous; sometimes, the answer comes as we persist in faith, refusing to give up even when doubts arise. Patience is not the absence of questions, but the refusal to quit, trusting that God’s timing is perfect and that He rewards those who endure. [46:45]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:45] - What is a Miracle?
[04:14] - The Role of Faith in Miracles
[05:46] - Personal Testimony of Healing
[09:02] - Faith Beyond Experience
[12:33] - Key 1: The Power of Hope
[15:35] - How Hope Impacts Healing
[17:28] - Living Hope Through Christ
[19:11] - Key 2: Knowing the Facts
[22:28] - Healing in the Finished Work of Christ
[24:15] - Salvation: More Than Forgiveness
[28:38] - God’s Will and Healing
[30:01] - Key 3: The Necessity of Faith
[33:42] - Faith: Conviction and Action
[34:56] - Logos and Rhema: Hearing God’s Word
[37:11] - How Faith Works: Believing and Speaking
[39:59] - Healing: Instant or Progressive
[42:10] - Key 4: The Power of Forgiveness
[43:22] - Key 5: The Need for Patience
[46:45] - Patience: Refusing to Give Up
[48:10] - Encouragement to Study Further

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Psalm 77:13-14 (ESV) — > Your way, O God, is holy.
> What god is great like our God?
> You are the God who works wonders;
> you have made known your might among the peoples.

2. Isaiah 53:4-5 (ESV)
> Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows;
> yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted.
> But he was pierced for our transgressions;
> he was crushed for our iniquities;
> upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace,
> and with his wounds we are healed.

3. Hebrews 11:1 (ESV)
> Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

Observation Questions

According to Psalm 77:13-14, what sets our God apart from other gods, and how does He display His power?
In Isaiah 53:4-5, what specific things did Jesus bear for us, and what is the result for us because of His suffering?
The sermon described hope as the “thermostat” and faith as the “furnace.” What does this analogy mean in practical terms? [[12:33]]
What does Hebrews 11:1 say about the relationship between faith and hope?

Interpretation Questions

The sermon says that “miracles are simply God stepping into our circumstances and doing what we cannot do for ourselves.” How does this definition shape the way we pray for healing or miracles? [[01:45]]
Why is it important, according to the sermon, to base our faith on God’s promises rather than our personal experiences or disappointments? [[09:02]]
The pastor emphasized that “forgiveness is a non-negotiable for effective faith.” Why might unforgiveness block the flow of God’s power in our lives? [[42:10]]
The sermon teaches that patience is needed because not all miracles are instant. How does patience help us stay steady in faith while waiting for God’s answer? [[43:22]]

Application Questions

The pastor shared that even while struggling with his own back pain, he continues to believe for healing and does not let his experience dictate his faith. Is there an area in your life where your experience is making it hard to trust God’s promises? What would it look like to “not let your head get in the way of your faith”? [[09:02]]
Hope is described as a “confident expectation rooted in God’s character and promises.” When have you found it hard to keep hope alive? What practical steps could you take this week to build or restore hope in a difficult area? [[12:33]]
The sermon says that “knowledge of God’s Word is essential for receiving healing.” Are there any promises of God you need to learn or remind yourself of right now? How can you make time to get into God’s Word this week? [[20:32]]
The pastor explained that faith is more than believing God can heal—it’s being convinced that He will. What is one area where you need to move from “God can” to “God will”? How can you begin to speak God’s promises over that situation? [[33:42]]
Is there anyone you need to forgive so that your faith is not hindered? What is one step you can take this week to move toward forgiveness, even if it’s just praying for the person or asking God for help to forgive? [[42:10]]
The sermon teaches that patience is “refusing to give up.” Think of a prayer you’ve been waiting on for a long time. What would it look like to stay the course and not give up, even if doubts come? [[46:45]]
The pastor encouraged the church to share testimonies of healing and miracles to build each other’s faith. Is there a story from your life or someone you know that you could share to encourage someone else this week? [[05:46]]

Sermon Clips

Facts from God's Word enable me to ignore the facts of life. The facts of God's Word enable me to ignore what I see with my eyes, what I feel in my body sometimes. Because, come on, how many know the facts of God's Word are greater than the facts, come on, that I see and that I feel. [00:19:11] (22 seconds) #BibleStrengthensLife

Believing is knowing that God can do something. Faith is the conviction that God will do something. Believing that God can do something won't get you up and moving, won't get you acting in any way. Believing that God will do something will cause you to respond to the promise of God. Amen? Because you believe he's going to do it. [00:33:21] (23 seconds) #FaithBeliefAndSpeech

Faith works by believing and speaking. That's how simple it is. Faith works by believing and speaking. I find something God has promised me, I believe it. And then I begin to speak that over my life. And I speak it in the face of contradicting circumstances. Amen? [00:38:42] (20 seconds) #FaithWorksOverTime

The one thing that will short -circuit your faith is unforgiveness. In fact, right after Jesus talks about faith and its power, verse 24 says, when you stand praying, and when you stand praying, when you stand there praying, using your faith to pray about something you're believing God for in your life, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins. So you can't use your faith while you're harboring unforgiveness in your heart and expect your faith to work. [00:40:51] (39 seconds) #ChooseForgiveness

You got to be patient because sometimes, as I just said, your miracle doesn't happen overnight. God does things suddenly. But how many of you have ever noticed it seems like he takes forever to do something suddenly? Right? You're just believing, you're believing, you're believing. Days, weeks, maybe a year or two goes by. Come on, God. Come on. Believe. I believe. I believe. And then suddenly. Did he do it suddenly? He did it suddenly, but it sure took him a long time. [00:43:22] (30 seconds) #PatienceKeepsFaith

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