The man in our key text was in the same unpleasant situation for a long time - thirty-eight years. He believed that one day someone would be kind enough to help get him into the healing waters at the right time. However, when Jesus came by and asked if he would like to be healed, he failed to see that the Doctor of doctors had come to his help. His trust was not in God but in man.

David could not go to battle with the armour of Saul because he had not proved them. He recalled how he killed a lion and a bear in the past, and was protected by the armour of faith. He believed that the same God that delivered him from the lion and the bear could do it again. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and today and forever.

The promises of God are yea and amen in Christ Jesus, but anxiety and worry will hinder their performance. When there is a need, God wants us to pray, believe that we have received, and then patiently wait for the manifestation of His power. God is not a man that He should lie. The Lord will always do whatever He has promised His people. Let not your heart be troubled if you believe in Him.

God-given vision is a mental picture painted by the Lord to clarify the truth for better understanding. By the vision given to Peter, the barrier that hindered the preaching of the gospel to the Gentile world was broken. Vision gives boldness, drives away doubts, and strengthens one's belief. Much success was achieved by the early Church in its evangelistic outreach through visions. By vision, Ananias was emboldened to minister to Saul of Tarsus.

Every good thing comes from the Lord. He knows what is good for His children and gives to those that seek him diligently. The sheep looks up to its shepherd for sustenance and protection. It is the shepherd that searches out and leads the flock to green pastures for grazing. My friend, you suffer dryness if you do not have the Lord Jesus Christ as the Shepherd and Bishop of your soul, for without Him you can do nothing.