Acts 9:33-34
33 There he found a certain man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden eight years and was paralyzed. 34 And Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus the Christ heals you. Arise and make your bed.” Then he arose immediately.
Our affliction can become our greatest strength. For when the Lord Jesus breathes life into that area, we gain authority over death. And, death lies in that area no more. That frees us up to live the abundance that Jesus promised to give us. It also frees us up to operate and advance the Kingdom in that particular realm.
Aeneas had been bedridden 8 years AND was paralyzed, like the two were inseperable. The fact that bedridden is mentioned first speaks to his bondage. Jesus said that the Spirit of the Sovereign Lord was upon Him to set the captives free. Here Aeneas was deep in bondage. He could not go anywhere. His prison was his bed, in the natural sense. In the spirutal sense, that place of rest had been attacked. We often get attacked where we have the greatest anointing. Aeneas was frozen. He was stiff. He couldnt move.
Fear keeps us from moving. It paralyzes us. Fear is a great affliction that puts many in captivity. It binds those seeking rest in Jesus and makes them prisoners in their own beds. Fear keeps people from advancing the Kingdom.
Peter speaks words of life directly into Aeneas. Yes, Jesus THE CHRIST, the Messiah, the Savior, the ONE, the Truth and Life and Way heals you. The truth does make you free. Jesus is the Truth. Peter’s release of the Truth releases Aeneas. The truth freed him up.
A second key in this passage lies in Peter’s command. Peter directs Aeneas to make his bed. He commands Aeneas to go right into the heart of the matter where he has been a bondslave and deal with it head on. Make the bed that you have been in for eight years. Clean up your prison cell because Aeneas, you dont need it anymore. You are free from that bondage.
Aeneas’ release then gives him the authority to operate directly where he was afflicted. “Go make your bed”. Go operate in that area that you were afflicted and held captive. You are now anointed in that area. This is why we see great ministries arise from areas where people were once held in tight bondage.
So, do not be held captive any longer. Walk in faith head on into the area of your affliction and captivity. Jesus heals you. You are free. Go live abundantly.