English Standard Version
Verse 10 never fails to amuse me. We're told that John went in and believed (after John reminds us all that he'd beaten Peter in the race), although they still didn't grasp this in line with the larger witness of Scripture, and then they just went home. They discovered the largest news event to ever take place, then decided to chill at home on the couch for a bit, maybe grab some breakfast. It'd been a big morning, after all.
The movie industry makes us think that change happens radically. We see it so often on the big screen that we come to expect it in our own lives. Main characters in movies have radical life-changing transformations overnight, and they go out into the world instantly as new people. Commercials tell us that changing our lives or bodies can happen in only a few shorts days, so we workout twice and then wonder why our muscles haven't grown. We are constantly disappointed because our goals are so high.
But real change takes time. Allowing the Holy Spirit to work requires great acts of patience. It's not to be rushed. God will change you, but it likely won't be quick. After each encounter, it's helpful to pause and rest, to reflect, like Peter and John do, and see what God has in store. Don't feel disappointed if you're not seeing instant changes -- be patient with yourself and with God.
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