Movement Begins on the Inside

Movement Begins on the Inside


Scripture
“Jesus said to him, ‘Get up, take up your bed, and walk.’ And at once the man was healed, and he took up his bed and walked.”
John 5:8–9 (ESV)


Reflection

Every movement of God begins with revelation. Before anything changes on the outside, something must first shift on the inside.

In the sermon, we were reminded that God always works from the inside out. External movement is never accidental. It is the fruit of internal understanding, belief, and alignment with what God has revealed. Until the way we see changes, the way we live will not.

The man at the pool had been in the same condition for thirty-eight years. His limitation was visible, but the deeper issue was internal. Over time, he had learned how to survive in paralysis. His expectations were shaped by disappointment. His hope was tied to systems and circumstances. When Jesus arrived, He did not immediately address the man’s legs. He addressed his understanding.

“Do you want to be healed?” was not a question about desire. It was a question about vision. Could this man see a future different from his past? Could he imagine movement where there had been none? Revelation had to come before restoration.

When Jesus said, “Get up,” He was inviting the man to act on a new internal reality. The healing did not fully manifest until obedience followed revelation. The miracle was released through movement, but movement was born out of understanding.

This is God’s consistent pattern. Peter had to see himself walking before he stepped onto the water. Abraham had to see himself as a father before Isaac was born. Israel had to see themselves as free before they could walk out of Egypt. God reshapes our inner vision before He changes our external position.

When we continue to see the old way, we will continue to live the old way. But when our understanding shifts, obedience becomes possible and grace is activated.

If there are areas of your life where movement feels delayed, God may not be withholding power. He may be inviting deeper revelation. This year, the invitation is not only to act differently, but to see differently. As our perspective aligns with God’s truth, external movement will follow.


Reflection Questions

• In what areas of my life am I believing God for movement this year?
• How might my current way of seeing be limiting my faith or obedience?
• What truth is God inviting me to receive on the inside before I see change on the outside?

Prayer

Father, thank You for speaking life and calling me forward. Where my thinking has been shaped by past limitations, renew my understanding. Help me see myself, my future, and my circumstances the way You see them. I choose to align my obedience with Your revelation, trusting that movement will follow. In Jesus’ name, Amen.


Scripture References
John 5:8–9, Romans 12:2, Ephesians 1:17–18, 2 Corinthians 5:7