After witnessing Jesus heal a paralyzed man, Luke describes the people as being amazed in Luke 5:26.
You can check out the whole story, here.
Now the word amazed is the Greek word ekstasis, which describes someone who is displaced out of a normal state of being or thinking. English derives the word ecstasy from this word.
Usually, a person deemed insane or demon possessed experiences ekstasis, but the word also describes someone who witnesses something that is out of this world—a blended form of fear and wonderment.
In the same verse, Luke describes the people as filled with awe. In the Greek, the people are filled with phobos, which literally translates fear or respect. The people are so displaced by what they saw, they are utterly awed by the experience. But they tell others what they’ve seen has left them wonderstruck.
[tweetable=via”mafeinberg] I don’t know about you, but I want to live in such a way that whenever I encounter the work of Jesus in our world I’m left marveling, astonished, and wonderstruck[/tweetable] —much like those who witnessed the miracles and listened to the teachings of Christ.
The truth is that [tweetable]some of the wonders God wants to reveal in our lives require us to believe in God in greater measure. [/tweetable] They call us to make larger strides by faith. They call us to take bigger risks.
Maybe you’ve sensed the Holy Spirit nudging to make one of those big leaps.
If so, you need to know that Jesus will be cheering for you every step of the way.
Praying for you.
Empowering you through the Holy Spirit.
Going before you and with you.
Are you willing to make the journey?
Spend some time asking God to give you a fresh sense of amazement of His faithfulness and presence in your life. Ask God to soften your heart to any areas where you’ve grown hard or disbelieving and give you the ability to trust Him wholeheartedly and risk big.
Wonderstruck Challenge: Add to your Wonderstruck Journal today. Record three ways you’re experiencing or sensing God and His handiwork in your life. Join us online by posting the three wonders on your Facebook Page, Twitter or Pinterest using the hashtag #livewonderstruck.
To purchase your copy of Wonderstruck: Awaken to the Nearness of God, click here.
Boy Margaret, I grew up with big strides..but the last many years I am not so sure..and now I am dragging my feet some! I think your recent posts all drescribe where I am – the feeling stuck, the desire for more, and some lurking fear threatening to overpower me! But beneath it all there is a wonder-struck-ness since Grace is what I stand upon… thanks for writing. Haha. reminds me of that old song, ‘singing my life…’. Prayer for you too as you keep up your strides!
Oh how I feel like I’ve been on this journey over the last year Margaret. A journey of “I trust you Jesus”…not just with the BIG things in my life but with the tiniest of details as well. It’s been a tender journey, Jesus and me, walking hand in hand, sharing little whispers though out the day…He’s been so attentive to (what I felt) was risky…letting my guard down, opening my heart again to His unending, faithful, unfailing, lavishing love. We are not done yet…and honestly, it’s been such an intimate time…I kind of never want to be “ok” and miss out on experiencing Him like this ever again. He leaves me #Wonderstruck
Perfect for me today…feeling I am in limbo in so many areas of my life….transitions every where and I want to know where it is that I rest in the unknown or where I step out…and through it all…I want to see His wonder…Glory and all the Grace He pours out….never to stop being amazed…wonderstruck. Prayers continue for you….blessing to you today!
Jenni– I know the exact feeling. That’s when I decided to pray for wonder. God showed up in powerful and unimaginable ways. Praying for you as you learn to LIVEWONDERSTRUCK among the stale and rote days.
Ooh, Tara. THAT is such a tricky switch in perspective. Not just I trust Jesus IF or WHEN, but just I trust HIM.
May you continue to be WONDERSTRUCK among the changes, unknown, and surprises along the way, sweet Ro.
It’s amazing that I was just walking and praying. I had to make the choice to trust in God’s great provision even though my emotions feel overwhelmed. As so as I made the choice to see him bigger, my whole perspective changed.
Thank you for this post. It’s the definition of where I am today.
Sending a hug your way, Christina!
My life was rocked in an unexpected way this past year. Along with it so was my faith. I’ve always felt that I needed more faith, but never thought I’d begin to doubt everything that I held so dearly.
I’m now making a new “peace with God.” Accepting the things that I can’t understand. Embracing the pain. Leaning in instead of looking away.
I don’t just want to search for “wonder” but behold “His wonder.” And I know that means letting go of even more of the things/circumstances that I have been holding on to so as to make room for more of Him.
I can’t help but think of the man who said “Lord, I believe. Help my unbelief.” Oh how I can relate to those words…as I pray them, too.
There are no words. How can I even wrap my mind around the fact that the God who created everything, sustains everything and has power and authority over everything calls me into a relationship with Him, loves me and works what is good and right and wise and loving in all things related to me for His glory and my good. He is my God. Deep sigh. Its a wonder. I pray that I would truly KNOW this in every increasing measure.
Praying for you today Margaret. May God’s richest, sweetest blessings rest on you and may you know His presence in wonderous ways. Praying you sleep well tonight. (And praying for Leif. My husband had pancreatic cancer and my daughter was diagnosed with Lukemia a year later so I have an inkling of the needs of those who love those living this journey.)
“Leaning in instead of looking away.”
I love that description, Melinda. Praying for you as you continue this journey of faith. In the midst of it, may God wow and astound you with himself every day!
Thank you, sweet Debbie. Your prayers mean more than you know!