An excerpt from the sermon "A Call to Action" by Sr. Pastor RK Smith. You can watch the whole sermon on our Facebook page.
Scripture:
"Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk." (John 5:8)
The man at the pool of Bethesda had been waiting for 38 years. He had settled into his condition, surrounded by others in similar situations. When Jesus asked if he wanted to be made whole, instead of answering with faith, he gave an excuse: "I have no man..." But Jesus didn’t entertain his excuses—He simply commanded him to get up.
We often wait for ideal circumstances before stepping into what God has for us, but faith isn’t just about believing—it’s about acting. Jesus calls us to get up, to move forward, and to walk in obedience to His Word. The moment we respond to His call, transformation begins.
Key Points:
Faith Requires Action – Miracles happen when we step out in faith, not when we sit and wait.
Excuses Hinder Growth – Just like the man at Bethesda, we often focus on obstacles instead of possibilities.
Jesus Meets Us Where We Are – The man at the pool wasn’t equipped to do much because of his condition, but Jesus found him and met him right where he was.
Obedience Unlocks Miracles – Jesus left the response up the man when he asked “Will you be made whole?” The man’s obedient response set him up to receive a miracle. When we respond to Jesus' command, we experience His power.
Now is the Time – Don’t wait for another season to move forward in God’s purpose.
Personal Reflection Questions:
What excuses have you been making that keep you from moving forward?
In what area of your life do you need to take action instead of waiting?
How has Jesus been calling you to step out in faith recently?
What would it look like for you to “rise and walk” spiritually?
Thought for My Life
Jesus stands before me today, calling ME to take action. My miracle is not in the waiting—it is in my response. Will I respond to God’s call? Will I choose to arise and GET UP? We need to make up in your mind that “I will step out in faith, trusting that when I move, God moves with me.”