Walking in Faith: Healing, Gratitude, and Community

Devotional

Day 1: Faith in Action

Faith often requires us to take steps even when we don't see immediate results. The story of the ten lepers in Luke 17:11-19 illustrates this beautifully. When Jesus instructed the lepers to go show themselves to the priests, they were not healed immediately. It was only as they went, in obedience and faith, that they experienced healing. This teaches us that sometimes we must move forward in faith before we see God's work manifest in our lives. Trusting in God's promises and acting on His word, even when the outcome is not visible, is a crucial aspect of our spiritual journey.

In our own lives, we may face situations where we are called to act in faith without seeing immediate results. It could be in our relationships, careers, or personal growth. The key is to keep moving forward, trusting that God is working behind the scenes. Our faith in action can lead to transformative experiences and bring us closer to God's purpose for our lives. Remember, faith is not just about believing but also about taking steps that align with that belief.

Luke 17:14 (ESV): "When he saw them he said to them, 'Go and show yourselves to the priests.' And as they went they were cleansed."

Reflection: What is one area in your life where you need to take a step of faith today, even if you don't see immediate results? How can you act on that faith right now? [39:46]

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Day 2: Supportive Community

Surrounding ourselves with a supportive community is vital for our spiritual growth. The story of the friends who tore off the roof to bring their crippled friend to Jesus is a powerful example of this. These friends went to great lengths to ensure their friend could receive healing from Jesus. Similarly, we need people in our lives who will support us, encourage us, and help us draw closer to Christ. A supportive community can provide the strength and encouragement we need to persevere in our faith journey.

Having a community that prays for us, holds us accountable, and walks with us through difficult times can make a significant difference in our spiritual lives. It is essential to seek out and build relationships with people who share our faith and values. These relationships can help us stay grounded in our faith and provide the support we need to overcome challenges. Remember, we are not meant to walk this journey alone; God has placed people in our lives to help us along the way.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (ESV): "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!"

Reflection: Who are the people in your life that support your spiritual journey? How can you strengthen these relationships and also be a source of support for others? [35:43]

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Day 3: Patience in the Process

Healing is often a process that requires patience and perseverance. While God can heal instantly, He sometimes chooses to take us through a journey of healing to teach us valuable lessons and strengthen our faith. The story of the ten lepers shows that their healing occurred as they went, indicating that the process of healing can take time and requires us to trust in God's timing. Patience in the healing process allows us to grow in our faith and develop a deeper reliance on God.

In our own lives, we may face situations where we are waiting for healing, whether it be physical, emotional, or spiritual. It is important to remember that God's timing is perfect, and He knows what is best for us. During this waiting period, we can focus on growing our relationship with God, learning from the experiences, and trusting that He is working all things for our good. Patience in the process can lead to a more profound and lasting transformation.

James 1:2-4 (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."

Reflection: What is an area in your life where you need to practice patience and trust in God's timing? How can you focus on growing your faith during this waiting period? [42:00]

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Day 4: Gratitude Transforms

The story of the ten lepers highlights the significance of gratitude. Out of the ten who were healed, only one returned to thank Jesus. This act of gratitude not only set him apart but also brought him additional blessings. Gratitude can transform our perspective and bring us closer to God. When we cultivate a heart of gratitude, we acknowledge God's goodness and faithfulness in our lives, even in the midst of challenges.

Gratitude helps us focus on the positive aspects of our lives and recognize the blessings we often take for granted. It shifts our perspective from what we lack to what we have, fostering a sense of contentment and joy. By regularly expressing gratitude to God and others, we can experience a deeper connection with God and a more fulfilling spiritual life. Remember to thank God for His blessings, even when you are still in the process of healing.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 (ESV): "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

Reflection: What are three things you are grateful for today? How can you make expressing gratitude a regular part of your daily routine? [57:15]

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Day 5: Keep Walking

No matter how difficult the journey, keep moving forward. Healing often happens as we continue to walk in faith, even when circumstances seem unchanged. The story of the ten lepers teaches us that their healing occurred as they went, emphasizing the importance of perseverance in our faith journey. Trust that God is working in the background and will fulfill His promises.

In our own lives, we may face challenges that seem insurmountable, but it is crucial to keep walking in faith. Trusting in God's promises and continuing to move forward, even when we don't see immediate results, can lead to significant breakthroughs. Remember that God is always with us, guiding and supporting us every step of the way. Keep walking, keep believing, and keep trusting in God's plan for your life.

Isaiah 40:31 (ESV): "But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."

Reflection: What is one area in your life where you need to keep moving forward in faith? How can you remind yourself of God's promises and continue to trust in His plan? [53:42]

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Good morning, church. Today, we explored the transformative power of Jesus, focusing on the story of the ten lepers from Luke 17:11-19. This narrative reveals profound truths about healing, faith, and gratitude. The ten lepers, suffering from a debilitating disease, cried out to Jesus for mercy. Jesus instructed them to go show themselves to the priests, and as they went, they were healed. This story teaches us that healing often requires action and faith. The lepers had to move forward, even when they saw no immediate change. Their healing came as they obeyed Jesus' command and walked in faith.

We also discussed the importance of having a supportive community, like the friends who tore off the roof to bring their crippled friend to Jesus. Surround yourself with people who will go to great lengths to bring you closer to Christ. Additionally, we touched on the necessity of patience in the healing process. Sometimes, healing is instantaneous, but often it is a journey that requires perseverance and faith.

The story of the ten lepers also highlights the significance of gratitude. Out of the ten who were healed, only one returned to thank Jesus. This act of gratitude not only set him apart but also brought him additional blessings. We must remember to thank God for His blessings, even when we are still in the process of healing. Gratitude can transform our perspective and bring us closer to God.

In conclusion, the journey of healing involves moving forward in faith, being patient, and maintaining a heart of gratitude. Keep walking, keep believing, and keep thanking God for His continuous work in your life.

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Key Takeaways

1. Faith in Action: Healing often requires us to take steps of faith, even when we don't see immediate results. The ten lepers were healed "as they went," illustrating that sometimes we must move forward in faith before we see God's work manifest in our lives. [39:46]
2. Supportive Community: Surround yourself with friends who will go to great lengths to bring you closer to Jesus. Just as the friends of the crippled man tore off the roof to get him to Jesus, we need people in our lives who will support us in our spiritual journey. [35:43]
3. Patience in the Process: Healing is often a process that requires patience and perseverance. While God can heal instantly, He sometimes chooses to take us through a journey of healing to teach us valuable lessons and strengthen our faith. [42:00]
4. Gratitude Transforms: Out of the ten lepers healed, only one returned to thank Jesus. This act of gratitude not only set him apart but also brought him additional blessings. Gratitude can transform our perspective and bring us closer to God. [57:15]
5. Keep Walking: No matter how difficult the journey, keep moving forward. Healing often happens as we continue to walk in faith, even when circumstances seem unchanged. Trust that God is working in the background and will fulfill His promises. [53:42]
### [53:42]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[35:43] - The Power of Community
[36:19] - Series Introduction and Announcements
[37:06] - Importance of Rest and Rejuvenation
[38:00] - The Story of the Ten Lepers
[39:46] - Faith in Action: Healing as They Went
[42:00] - Patience in the Healing Process
[45:37] - Choosing Healing Over Hurt
[47:16] - Moving Forward in Faith
[50:33] - Transparency and Authenticity
[53:42] - Keep Walking: Perseverance in Faith
[57:15] - The Power of Gratitude
[60:10] - Jesus' Final Words to the Healed Leper
[63:22] - Invitation to Accept Christ
[65:47] - Call to Prayer and Healing
[66:40] - Worship and Closing

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What did Jesus instruct the ten lepers to do after they cried out for mercy? ([39:46])
How did the ten lepers respond to Jesus' command, and what was the result of their obedience? ([39:46])
Out of the ten lepers who were healed, how many returned to thank Jesus, and what additional blessing did he receive? ([57:15])
What does the story of the friends tearing off the roof to bring their crippled friend to Jesus illustrate about the importance of community? ([35:43])

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Jesus chose to heal the lepers "as they went" rather than immediately? What does this teach us about faith and obedience? ([39:46])
How does the act of the one leper returning to thank Jesus highlight the importance of gratitude in our spiritual journey? ([57:15])
In what ways can having a supportive community impact our faith and healing process, as illustrated by the friends who brought their crippled friend to Jesus? ([35:43])
How does the concept of patience in the healing process challenge our expectations of how and when God should act in our lives? ([42:00])

Application Questions

Reflect on a time when you had to take a step of faith without seeing immediate results. How did that experience shape your trust in God? ([39:46])
Do you have friends or a community that supports you in your spiritual journey? If not, what steps can you take to build such relationships? ([35:43])
Think about an area in your life where you are seeking healing. How can you practice patience and perseverance in this process? ([42:00])
How often do you take time to thank God for His blessings, even when you are still in the process of healing? What are some practical ways you can cultivate a heart of gratitude? ([57:15])
Identify a specific situation where you need to "keep walking" in faith despite not seeing immediate changes. How can you remind yourself to trust that God is working in the background? ([53:42])
How can you be more transparent with God and others about your struggles and needs for healing? What steps can you take to be more authentic in your faith journey? ([48:55])
Consider someone in your life who might need support in their healing journey. How can you be a friend who "tears off the roof" to bring them closer to Jesus? ([35:43])

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "Do you have that type of friends that are going to rip off the roof that's going to get you to Jesus? Do you have that type of friends that are going to rip off the roof that's going to get you to Jesus this morning? Amen. I hope you do." (7 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Sometimes it's a process when you need healing in any form of your life. And I want to start by reading out of Luke chapter 17, verses 11 through 19. And it says, Now, on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. And as he was going into a village, he saw 10 men who had leprosy met him. If I could read this morning. They stood at a distance and called out in a loud voice, Jesus, Master, have pity on us. When he saw them, he said, Go show yourselves to the priest. And as they went, everybody say, as they went. As they were cleansed." (43 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "We need to choose healing over hurt. And we know and the lepers knew that it would come by God's healing power. Amen. And I believe that there are three parts to this healing process that we can learn from this story. And my first point is, number one, is go. Move on. Everybody say go. Verse 14 says, when he saw them, he said, go show yourselves to the priest. And as they went, they were cleansed." (26 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "You have to keep moving forward. Look at your neighbor and say, keep walking. They had experienced no change. They felt nothing. But one of them must have thought, okay, the healer said go, I'm going to go. So whether they all turned and went or whether one went and the rest followed, we don't know. But as they went, they were healed. They were cleansed." (22 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "You know, sometimes healing comes in different forms. When my dad was so sick over 19 years ago, I was living in Michigan, and we prayed. I come down several times, but we prayed and prayed. He was in the hospital for about three months, and he was only 59 years old. He was young. And we prayed for healing. But God chose to heal him on the other side. He didn't choose to heal him here on earth." (26 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "We're not always patient when it comes to that healing. Now, obviously, God can heal us instantly. But he doesn't always choose to do that. Sometimes we have a process that we have to go through. And waiting is not all of our strong suit, especially mine sometimes. So today I want to talk to you about that healing process. As we look back in Luke. As the scriptures that we just read a few moments ago." (22 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "You see, you and I so often choose to stay where it hurts. Far too long. Or sometimes we even go back and we dip again and again and again. And God is urging us to go. Pick ourselves up out of that. Go and move on. So the first part of healing of that process is to go and move on. The second step in verse 14, how do we move on? The lepers didn't just sit there when Jesus said, go. Sometimes we choose to sit and wallow in our trouble. But there has to be some action. As Pastor John talked about last week, we have to put action with our faith. Amen?" (43 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Listen, God doesn't have to prove who he is to challenge you this morning. You've got to be willing to step out in faith. Even when it looks like things are not getting better. Even sometimes when things look like they're getting worse. But in spite of the fact it looks like things are getting worse, you have to be willing to go face whatever that situation is that you are facing in faith. Jesus is calling us to be transparent this morning. But there's something broken within myself. Go in faith. There's something wrong with my body. Go in faith. There's something wrong with my marriage. Go in faith. There's something wrong in my finances. Go in faith." (41 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "You know, because there is, as they sang earlier, there's healing. And the presence and the name of Jesus. There's healing just in that touch. I came in here this week. When I was praying for everybody and praying for this service. And I just sang that old song that says Jesus. Jesus. There's just something about that name. That's so comforting. He's our master. He's our savior. He's Jesus. And he loves us. And he wants to heal you this morning. Every little hurt. Every little thing. If you would just let him." (35 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Gratitude goes the extra mile. Consider what the one leper did. He walked. He turned around. He walked back in faith. He went back. And he thanked Jesus. He thanked him. Some of us need to move on in faith. For our healing this morning. Some of us need to lay at the feet of Jesus and just thank him. For what he's already brought us through. Thank him for what he's done. And some of us just need to thank him and trust him. That he's going to continue that healing process. Thank him for the good things. Thank him for forgiveness. Thank him for the healing that has come. Or that is coming. And just keep pressing forward." (45 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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