In John 5:1-16 we see the narrative about the man at the pool of Bethesda, who had an infirmity for thirty-eight years. He wanted to be healed—that’s why he was there. Then along comes Jesus and heals him. That should have been a time of rejoicing by all those who witnessed it.
However, the Jews, instead of rejoicing, rebuked the healed man for carrying his bed on the Sabbath! They missed the whole point because of their Law—their tradition.
Mark 7:13 (KJV) 13 Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.
You see, God’s Word for healing had no effect on the Jews because they negated it with their tradition of the Law. And sadly, many Christians do the same thing today. Too many times people miss out on God’s blessings because they’re steeped in their traditions which cancel out the Word of God. They go by what their parents, grandparents, or even other ministers have believed and taught regardless of whether or not it lines up with God’s Word.
For example, people who were taught that healing passed away with the apostles have a hard time believing that God still heals today, even though the Word is replete with healing scriptures that verify God’s willingness to heal today. That belief will negate your faith for healing and you’ll miss out on His promises.
Another touchy subject is that God is a God of abundance and wants His people to prosper in every area of their lives. Many will fight you tooth and nail to stay poor! Yet they go to work every day trying to make enough to make ends meet. Go figure!
God has already provided for our abundance and we should appropriate it into our lives so we can do all that He has called us to do. Yet many do without because they have a poverty mentality–tradition–that keeps them from enjoying the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.
We have to question why we believe what we believe so that we can fully honor God by truly believing His Word and walking in it.
All of God’s promises are for us today. Jesus is the same today, yesterday, and forever. God doesn’t change and neither do His promises. There’s no expiration date! One size fits all! Whatever you see in the Word, you can have by faith. Don’t let other people’s unbelief stop you from believing God for all that He has for you. Go for it!
2 Corinthians 1:20 (KJV) 20 For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.
Hebrews 13:8 (KJV) 8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.
Malachi 3:6a (KJV) 6 For I am the LORD, I change not;
—Pamela
Pamela Moyle Ministries 