Scripture: Acts 14: 8-11, 15 (NLT)

Summary:

Using the story of the man in Lystra who had never walked, Pastor Keith Battle challenged believers to maintain their faith regardless of how long they have lived with a difficult circumstance. Although the man had been unable to walk since birth, he still positioned himself to hear the Word of God, and Paul recognized that he had faith to be healed. His condition had not destroyed his expectation that God could still change his situation. Pastor Battle emphasized that faith grows through what we hear, where we position ourselves, and our willingness to respond when God speaks. We must balance serving God with sitting in His presence so that busyness does not prevent us from receiving what He wants to give us. No matter what the facts say, how we feel, or how long we have been waiting, we can continue to declare: “I still believe!”

Who You Sit Under Matters – Sitting and Listening Preceded the Man’s Miracle (Acts 14:8-9)

Although the man had never walked, he positioned himself where he could hear the Word of God. His physical condition had not stopped his faith from growing. What we consistently listen to—and the people we allow to speak into our lives—can strengthen or weaken what we believe.

Discussion Questions:

1. Think about the voices that have the greatest influence in your life. Who or what are you consistently listening to, and how are those voices affecting your faith?

2. Are there any voices, environments, or influences that may be making it harder for you to believe what God says?

3. What can you do to intentionally position yourself to hear more of God’s Word?

When God Decides to Bless You, He Will Make Sure You Are Seen by the People Who Need to See You (Acts 14:9)

Healthy relationships – especially within marriage – affect our prayer life. In the midst of the crowd, Paul saw this particular man and recognized his faith. We do not have to manipulate circumstances, force opportunities, or convince people to notice us. God knows where we are, what we need, and how to position the right people at the right time for His purposes.

Discussion Questions:

1. Think about an area of your life where you may feel overlooked, unseen, or tempted to make something happen on your own. How difficult is it for you to trust God with the timing and outcome?

2. Have you experienced a time when God connected you with the right person or opportunity without you forcing it?

3. What would trusting God’s timing look like for you right now?

Sometimes Things Only Come to You When You Act Like You Want It (Acts 14:9–10)

Faith is more than believing internally; faith responds. The man positioned himself to hear the Word, and when Paul told him to stand, he acted on what he heard—even though he had never walked before. Faith requires us to respond when God speaks, even when what He asks us to do is unfamiliar or uncomfortable.

Discussion Questions:

1. Is there something you have been praying for or saying you believe God for, but your actions do not yet reflect that belief?

2. What might be keeping you from taking a step of faith—fear, disappointment, comfort, uncertainty, or something else?

3. What is one action you could take that demonstrates you are ready to respond to what God is asking of you?

If You Don’t Balance Your Serving With Sitting, You’ll Be Out of Balance and Miss What God Is Trying to Do in Your Life

There is a time to serve God and a time to sit in His presence and receive from Him. Continually pouring out without allowing God to refill us can leave us spiritually empty and can eventually lead to frustration or resentment. Serving God is important, but serving cannot replace spending time listening to Him.

Discussion Questions:

1. Consider everything you are responsible for and everyone you regularly serve. Are you spending as much intentional time receiving from God as you are pouring into others?

2. What are some signs that you may be serving from emptiness rather than fullness?

3. What practical change can you make this week to create more space to simply sit with God, listen, and allow Him to refill you?

Prayer of Personal Transformation:

Father God, we thank You for strengthening our faith and reminding us through Your Word that our circumstances do not determine what You are able to do. Help us to remain positioned to hear Your voice, to trust You when the facts and our feelings tell us otherwise, and to respond in faith when You call us to move. Even in seasons of waiting, disappointment, or uncertainty, give us the strength to keep believing and the grace to trust Your will for our lives. May our faith continue to grow as we declare, “I still believe.” In the matchless name of Jesus, we pray, Amen.