From Hearing To Experiencing

FROM HEARING TO EXPERIENCING

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Mark 5:25-34

Supporting Texts: 1 John 1:1, Joshua 2:1-23, Acts 10:34

INTRODUCTION:

Many believers have heard of the mighty acts of God—how He heals, delivers, saves, and lifts. These testimonies are not just for admiration, but to stir our faith to believe for our own encounters. Hearing what God has done should move us from mere information to personal transformation.

In our main text, the woman with the issue of blood had heard about Jesus. She had never met Him before, but what she heard ignited her faith. She said to herself, “If I may touch but His clothes, I shall be whole.” Her story moved from hearing about Jesus to experiencing His power firsthand.

Similarly, in Joshua 2, Rahab declared that the fear of God had fallen on her land because of the stories she had heard about the God of Israel. She heard—and then she believed—and her belief led her into the covenant of salvation. What you hear about God can become your personal experience if you respond in faith.

1. FAITH BEGINS WITH HEARING

Hearing about what God has done is the starting point of faith. It creates a platform for belief.

a) Testimonies are seeds of faith (Romans 10:17):

“Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” What we hear builds our capacity to trust God.

b) God's acts are not historical, they are repeatable (Hebrews 13:8):

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. What He did for one, He can do for another.

c) Hearing must be mixed with faith (Hebrews 4:2):

Many hear, but only those who mix it with faith experience the results.

d) Every miracle we hear is an invitation to trust God for our own (Psalm 78:4):

We must not hide His works from others. Sharing creates expectation and possibility.

Biblical Example: In Acts 10:34, Peter said, “God is no respecter of persons.” The Gentiles heard the gospel, believed, and received the Holy Ghost just like the Jews.

2. FAITH WITHOUT ACTION STOPS AT HEARING

Hearing alone does not produce results—it must be followed by faith-driven action.

a) The woman moved beyond hearing to touching (Mark 5:27):

She pressed through the crowd. Faith is not passive; it pushes through barriers.

b) Belief is proven by pursuit (James 2:26):

Faith without works is dead. Acting on what you believe brings manifestation.

c) Excuses are enemies of experience (Luke 14:18):

Many hear but remain where they are because they allow circumstances to hinder action.

d) Movement releases miracles (2 Kings 7:5–6):

As the lepers moved, God magnified their steps and gave victory to Israel.

Biblical Example: Rahab heard about God’s deliverance at the Red Sea and Jericho and aligned herself with His people. She hid the spies and acted in faith—and her family was saved (Joshua 2:10–13).

3. GOD RESPONDS TO PERSONAL FAITH

God does not just respond to needs—He responds to faith. The woman in Mark 5 was healed not just because she was sick, but because she had faith.

a) Personal faith provokes divine attention (Mark 5:30):

Jesus felt virtue leave Him. Faith pulls power from God.

b) Faith personalises miracles (Matthew 9:29):

“According to your faith be it unto you.” You receive on the level of your belief.

c) Faith speaks before it sees (Mark 11:23):

Faith declares results even before they manifest.

d) Faith breaks limitations (Mark 2:4–5):

The four friends broke through a roof because they believed Jesus could heal their paralyzed friend.

Biblical Example: Blind Bartimaeus cried out to Jesus despite resistance. His persistent faith brought him healing (Mark 10:46–52).

4. GOD HONOURS EXPECTANT HEARTS

Those who expect God to act will surely experience His power. Your expectation attracts divine visitation.

a) God visits those who watch for Him (Isaiah 64:4):

God acts for those who wait and expect Him.

b) Expectation sharpens sensitivity (Proverbs 23:18):

The woman expected something to happen when she touched Jesus—and it did.

c) Expectation is the womb of manifestation (Psalm 62:5):

“My expectation is from Him.” You cannot receive what you do not expect.

d) Expectancy provokes divine timing (Genesis 18:10):

God told Sarah, “At the appointed time, I will return.” Expectation partners with divine schedule.

Biblical Example: In Acts 3:5–8, the lame man looked at Peter and John expecting to receive something. His expectation became a doorway for his miracle.

CONCLUSION:

Beloved, it is not enough to only hear about what God has done for others. Testimonies are divine invitations for you to step into your own encounter. Don’t remain at the level of observation—step into participation. The woman with the issue of blood heard, believed, acted, and received. You can too.

Like Rahab, allow what you’ve heard to move you to faith and obedience. Like the woman in Mark 5, press in until you touch Jesus. The God who healed, delivered, and saved others is still doing it today. You are next in line.