All those who lived in Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord. (Acts 9:35)

Peter’s ministry in Acts 9 is pretty captivating. In this passage, we get a glimpse into two lives: Aeneas, a man paralyzed for eight years, and Tabitha, a beloved disciple who had died. Through Peter’s faith in God’s power, Aeneas was healed, and Tabitha was brought back to life. Both of these amazing moments sparked a ripple effect: the people who witnessed these events turned to the Lord.

What’s so powerful about this story is how God can use one person’s experience to draw others closer to him. The people in Lydda and Sharon didn’t experience the miracles completely firsthand—they didn’t lie on the mat paralyzed or rise from the dead. But seeing the work of God in Aeneas and Tabitha encouraged their faith. Their lives became a testimony that pointed others to Jesus.

Sometimes we get caught up in waiting for a dramatic encounter, a miracle, or a sign from God before we completely say yes to him. But the truth is, God’s goodness is all around us, often in the lives of others. A story of someone's healing, restoration, or faith in hardship can push us to trust him more deeply. Witnessing God move in someone else’s life isn’t meant to make us feel left out or unseen; instead, it’s an invitation to draw closer to the One who makes all things possible.

In my own walk with God, I’ve been challenged and encouraged by the faith of others. Hearing how someone else experienced God’s provision during a season of waiting, or how He brought peace to a situation that seemed hopeless, reminds me of his character—faithful, powerful, and good. It pushes me to know and trust him more and share God with the people around me.

The same God who healed Aeneas and raised Tabitha is working in our lives today. He uses the stories of others to strengthen our faith and remind us of his power and love. When we feel distant from God, reflecting on what He’s done for others can be a spark that reignites our faith.

Whose faith story has inspired you recently? Has it encouraged you to trust God in a deeper way? Spend some time thanking God for what He’s done in their life, and ask Him to reveal Himself in your own, in big and small ways.