When Jesus Stops: A Moment to Start a Movement

Hey there, MVMNT Church fam! Today, we had the incredible pleasure of welcoming guest pastor Andy George from Crossroads Fellowship in North Carolina to our community. He delivered a powerful, thought-provoking, and heart-stirring message about how Jesus always stops for those shouting from the crowd. I don't know about you, but today's service left me inspired and ready to "spark something new" in my life. So, let's dive into the heart of Pastor Andy's message and explore the life-changing truth that "it only takes a moment to start a movement."

Picture this: You're part of a bustling crowd, jostling for a glimpse of the famous miracle worker and teacher who has captured the attention of the entire region. You've heard the rumors—how He healed the sick, calmed storms, and even raised the dead. As you strain your neck to see, you realize that you're not just a face in the crowd; you're someone in desperate need of a miracle. And then, in that moment of desperation, you shout, cry out, throw caution to the wind, and beg for His attention. And He stops.

This is the Jesus that Pastor Andy introduced us to today—the Jesus who stops for the desperate cries of those in need. In Luke 8:40-56, we find two such stories that beautifully illustrate this truth. The first is about a woman who had been suffering from a bleeding disorder for twelve long years. She had spent everything she had on doctors, but no one could cure her. This woman, in her desperation, reached out and touched the hem of Jesus' cloak, believing that if she could just touch Him, she would be healed. And she was right.

But it doesn't end there. Even though Jesus was on His way to help Jairus, a synagogue leader whose daughter was dying, He stopped. He didn't brush the woman off, telling her He had more important things to do. He stopped, turned to her, and said, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace" (Luke 8:48). That's right; the Savior of the world stopped for a woman who had been deemed untouchable by society. Let that sink in for a moment.

And then, just as Jesus was finishing His conversation with the woman, a messenger arrived with terrible news: Jairus' daughter had died. But Jesus didn't let the news shake Him. Instead, He calmly told Jairus, "Don't be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed" (Luke 8:50). And, sure enough, Jesus went to Jairus' house, took the girl's hand, and brought her back to life.
Two lives forever changed in a matter of moments. Two miracles demonstrating the unstoppable power of Jesus. But more importantly, these stories show us the Jesus who stops, the Jesus who listens, and the Jesus who is willing to reach out and touch our lives when we call out to Him in our desperation.

So, what does this mean for us, MVMNT Church? It means that no matter how desperate our situation may seem, Jesus is ready and willing to stop for us. But it also means that we must be willing to cry out to Him, to believe in His power to heal, restore, and transform our lives. Just like the woman who touched His cloak and Jairus who sought His help, we must have the faith to believe that Jesus can do the impossible.

"It only takes a moment to start a movement." These words echoed through my mind as Pastor Andy spoke today. Jesus' encounters with the bleeding woman and Jairus' daughter were brief but life-altering moments that sparked a movement of healing and restoration. This is the Jesus that our city and our community desperately need. This is the Jesus that can transform our lives and the lives of those around us.

As we go forth from today's message, let's remember the power of a single moment. A moment of faith can ignite a movement that changes everything. A moment of surrender can bring about a miracle that alters the course of our lives. And it's in these moments that we encounter the life-changing love of Jesus.

As a church, let's strive to be a community that cries out to Jesus in our desperation, trusting that He will stop for us. Let's share the stories of the Jesus who stops, listens, and heals with our friends, family, and neighbors. And in doing so, we'll create a movement that will impact our city, our nation, and our world.

Now, I don't know about you, but I'm ready to start shouting from the rooftops about the incredible Jesus who stops for us. And as we share our stories and faith, let's do so with wit, charm, and even a little humor—because who says talking about Jesus has to be stuffy and serious?

I want to leave you with Pastor Andy's hope for all of us: that today's message would "spark something new in your life." Whether it's a renewed faith, a deeper understanding of Jesus' love, or the courage to reach out to someone in need, let's allow this moment to start a movement in our lives and our community.

MVMNT Church, let's be the hands and feet of the Jesus who stops. Let's cry out to Him, trust in His power, and watch as He works miracles in our lives and the lives of those around us. After all, it only takes a moment to start a movement. So, what are we waiting for? Let's get moving!

In Him,
Kara

Kara Housdan, a committed writer by profession and a dedicated staff member at MVMNT, skillfully combines her talents as a content creator and social media manager. Her devotion to faith, family, and Jesus fuels her creative spirit. With a passion for uplifting stories, Kara expertly crafts engaging narratives while adeptly managing the dynamic online presence of the MVMNT community.