Power To Lift
- fccreative
- 16 hours ago
- 9 min read
Unleashing Divine Power: The Call to Lift
The power to lift is not just a concept, but a living reality available to every believer through the Holy Spirit. Just as Peter and John encountered the lame man at the temple gate, we too are called to be conduits of God’s resurrection power—lifting ourselves and others out of places of limitation and brokenness. This power is not a lesser version or a faded memory of what God once did; it is the same dunamis power that raised Jesus from the dead, now residing in us, ready to explode through every obstacle and construct the life God has destined for us.
Accessing this power begins with the right partnerships. The people we surround ourselves with either propel us into God’s purposes or confine us to old patterns. Peter and John’s partnership was a blend of compassion and courage, and it was essential for the miracle that took place. Sometimes, well-meaning people can only carry us so far because their vision is limited. But when we connect with those who see beyond our current circumstances, our paradigm shifts, and we become open to God’s greater possibilities.
The power to lift often manifests “on the way”—in the ordinary routines of life, especially when we are headed to the right places, like prayer and the house of God. Consistency in prayer and faithfulness to God’s house position us for divine encounters. The church, despite its imperfections, is called beautiful by God, and it is a place where His power is present to transform lives.
Expectation is the seat where God’s power lands. Even a small expectation, like the lame man’s hope for coins, can be the starting point for God to exceed what we imagine. God delights in surpassing our requests, thoughts, and even our wildest dreams. Our faith should not be limited by religious mindsets or small thinking, but should be bold, knowing that God is both able and willing.
Central to all of this is the name of Jesus. The authority and power in His name are not magical incantations, but flow from relationship and revelation. When we truly know Jesus and understand what His name represents, we can command situations with confidence, not just request. But this authority is only effective when it is personal—when we have “it” for ourselves through time spent with God and His Word.
Finally, the power to lift is released when we act—when we “pull” in faith, not just speak. Peter didn’t just declare healing; he reached out and pulled the man up, demonstrating that faith without works is dead. Our corresponding actions, aligned with our faith in Jesus’ name, draw us toward the manifestation of God’s power. Sometimes, we are just one pull away from seeing the breakthrough we need.
Key Takeaways
- The company you keep shapes your spiritual trajectory. Surrounding yourself with people of faith and vision can propel you into God’s purposes, while others may unintentionally limit your growth. Evaluate your partnerships and seek those who challenge you to believe for more, not just settle for what’s familiar.
- Divine power often meets us in the ordinary routines of life, especially when we are faithful in prayer and gathering with God’s people. Don’t underestimate the significance of consistency in spiritual disciplines; it positions you for unexpected encounters with God’s power. The “right place” is often where God’s presence and people are found.
- Expectation, even if small, is the seedbed for God’s miracles. God doesn’t require perfect or grand faith—just a willingness to expect something from Him. When you bring even a mustard seed of expectation, God delights in exceeding it, often in ways that surpass your imagination.
- The authority of the name of Jesus is not a formula, but a reality rooted in relationship. To wield His name effectively, you must know Him personally and understand the weight His name carries in heaven and on earth. Don’t try to live off someone else’s revelation; invest time in God’s Word and presence so that His name becomes your own source of power.
- Faith is made complete by action. Speaking the name of Jesus is powerful, but it must be accompanied by a “pull”—a corresponding action that demonstrates your trust in God’s promise. Sometimes, your breakthrough is waiting on you to move, to act as if God’s word is true, and to pull yourself or others toward the manifestation of His power.
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Power to Lift
Bible Reading
- Acts 3:1-11 (Peter and John heal the lame man at the temple gate)
Observation Questions
In Acts 3:1-11, what were Peter and John doing when they encountered the lame man? What does this tell us about their daily habits and priorities?
What did the lame man expect to receive from Peter and John, and how did their response differ from his expectation?
According to the sermon, what was significant about the partnership between Peter and John in this miracle?
What specific action did Peter take after speaking healing over the lame man, and what was the result?
Interpretation Questions
Why does the sermon emphasize the importance of the people we surround ourselves with when it comes to experiencing God’s power? How did Peter and John’s partnership demonstrate this?
The sermon mentions that the power to lift often shows up “on the way” to the right places. What does this mean for how we approach our daily routines and spiritual disciplines?
The lame man had a small expectation (hoping for coins), but God exceeded it. What does this teach about the relationship between our expectations and God’s ability to work in our lives?
The authority in the name of Jesus is described as being rooted in relationship, not just words. Why is personal relationship with Jesus necessary for spiritual authority?
Aplication Questions
The sermon challenges us to evaluate our partnerships. Are there people in your life who are helping you move toward God’s purposes, and are there some who might be holding you back? What is one step you can take this week to strengthen or seek out faith-building relationships?
Peter and John were on their way to pray when the miracle happened. How consistent are you in your spiritual routines like prayer and gathering with other believers? What is one practical way you can be more faithful in these areas this month?
The lame man’s small expectation was the starting point for a miracle. Is there an area in your life where your expectations of God have been too small? What is one thing you can begin to expect or ask God for, even if it feels like a “mustard seed” of faith?
The sermon says the name of Jesus is not a magic word, but carries power through relationship. How much time do you spend getting to know Jesus personally through prayer and the Word? What is one change you can make to deepen that relationship this week?
Peter didn’t just speak healing—he reached out and pulled the man up. Is there a situation in your life where you need to take a step of faith, not just pray or speak, but act? What would a “pull” look like for you this week?
The sermon mentions that sometimes we are “just one pull away” from breakthrough. Can you identify an area where you’ve been waiting for God to move, but haven’t yet taken action? What is a specific action you can take to move toward your breakthrough?
The church is called “beautiful” by God, even with its imperfections. How do you view the church, and how might your attitude or involvement need to change to align with God’s perspective?
Devotional
Day 1: The Power to Lift—God’s Resurrection Power is Available to You
The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is not a distant or diluted force, but is available to every believer today, empowering you to rise above any circumstance and to help lift others into wholeness and victory. This is not a counterfeit or outdated power, but the very dunamis—explosive, life-changing power—that God intends for you to experience and share, enabling you to construct the life He has destined for you and to break every chain the enemy tries to place in your path. When you understand and walk in this power, you no longer have to live beneath what God has for you, but can step into the fullness of your inheritance as a child of God.
Ephesians 1:18-21 (ESV)
"Having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come."
Reflection: Where in your life do you need to believe that God’s resurrection power is available to lift you or someone else today? What would it look like to act on that belief?
Day 2: The Power of Partnership—Who You Walk With Matters
The people you surround yourself with have a profound impact on your spiritual journey and your ability to experience God’s power; some will inspire, encourage, and propel you forward, while others may drain or limit you with their own paradigms. Just as Peter and John’s partnership was essential for the miracle at the temple gate, God often uses the right relationships to bring about breakthrough and to shift your expectations of what is possible. Sometimes, you may need to seek out new partnerships or let go of relationships that keep you in the same “lame” place, so that you can step into the greater things God has for you.
Proverbs 13:20 (ESV)
"Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm."
Reflection: Is there someone in your life who lifts you closer to God’s power, or someone whose mindset is holding you back? What step can you take today to intentionally seek out or invest in life-giving, faith-filled partnerships?
Day 3: The Power of Expectation—God Exceeds Even Small Faith
God responds to even a seed of expectation, and the power to lift is tied to your willingness to expect something from Him—even if it’s small. The lame man at the gate expected only coins, but God gave him a miracle; likewise, your faith, even as small as a mustard seed, can move mountains and open the door for God to do exceedingly, abundantly above all you ask, think, or imagine. Don’t let a lack of expectation rob you of manifestation; instead, let your imagination and faith soar, trusting that God is able and willing to exceed your wildest dreams.
Matthew 7:7 (ESV)
"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you."
Reflection: What is one area where you have settled for small expectations from God? How can you raise your expectation and ask Him for more today?
Day 4: The Power in the Name of Jesus—Authority and Access
There is unmatched authority and access to heaven’s resources in the name of Jesus; when you pray, command, or stand against the enemy in His name, all of heaven comes to attention and the power of God is released. This is not a magic word or a formula, but a reality that flows from relationship and revelation—knowing who Jesus is and what His name represents. When you truly have faith in the name of Jesus, you can speak with authority, command healing, and see breakthrough, because you are not coming in your own merit, but in the all-access pass of Christ’s finished work.
John 16:23-24 (ESV)
"In that day you will ask nothing of me. Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full."
Reflection: In what situation do you need to boldly use the name of Jesus today—whether in prayer, spiritual warfare, or speaking life over someone? How can you deepen your relationship with Him so that His name is not just a phrase, but a source of real authority in your life?
Day 5: The Power of Pull—Faith Requires Action
Faith is not just believing or speaking, but also acting; the power to lift is released when you take a corresponding action that matches your faith, pulling yourself or others toward the manifestation of God’s promise. Like Peter, who didn’t just speak healing but reached out and pulled the lame man up, you are called to act on what you believe—whether that means stepping out, serving, forgiving, or moving forward in obedience. Sometimes, your breakthrough is just one “pull” away, and God is waiting for you to put your faith into action so that His power can be fully released in your life.
James 2:17 (ESV)
"So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead."
Reflection: What is one specific action you can take today that demonstrates your faith in God’s promise or power? How will you “pull” toward your breakthrough instead of waiting passively?
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