By Andrew Williams
“Peter and John went to the Temple one afternoon to take part in the three o’clock prayer service. As they approached the Temple, a man lame from birth was being carried in. Each day he was put beside the Temple gate, the one called the Beautiful Gate, so he could beg from the people going into the Temple. When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for some money. Peter and John looked at him intently, and Peter said, ‘Look at us!’ The lame man looked at them eagerly, expecting some money. But Peter said, ‘I don’t have any silver or gold for you. But I’ll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!’ Then Peter took the lame man by the right hand and helped him up. And as he did, the man’s feet and ankles were instantly healed and strengthened. He jumped up, stood on his feet, and began to walk! Then, walking, leaping, and praising God, he went into the Temple with them. All the people saw him walking and heard him praising God. When they realized he was the lame beggar they had seen so often at the Beautiful Gate, they were absolutely astounded!” – Acts 3:1-10 (NLT)
Good morning fellow disciples.
In this miraculous story, Peter and John encounter a man who is begging for money. Instead of providing what the man expected, they offer him something far greater – healing in the name of Jesus Christ. Peter, empowered by the Holy Spirit, boldly declares healing and then helps the man rise to his feet. This man, lame since birth, not only walked but leaped and praised God. The miracle draws attention to the power of Jesus, leaving the people amazed and glorifying God. This passage reminds us that what we have to offer in Christ—His power, love, and hope—can transform lives far beyond what people may expect.
Peter’s confidence in the name of Jesus and his willingness to act demonstrate the boldness and faith we are called to as disciples. Like Peter, we may not always have material resources to give, but we have something far greater—Jesus! This passage empowers us to redirect our focus from what we lack to what we have in Christ. His power is at work within us, enabling us to love, serve, and proclaim His name boldly. The same God who worked through Peter is working through you, equipping you to be His hands and feet in a world desperate for hope.
Think about the people in your life who are in need—whether physically, emotionally, or spiritually. How can you offer them what you have in Jesus? Redirect your focus this week from what you don’t have to what you do have in Him: the ability to pray, to offer encouragement, to share the gospel, or to extend a helping hand in His name. Take one bold step today to demonstrate the love and power of Christ to someone in need, trusting that He will work through you.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for the power of Your name and the example of Peter and John, who boldly acted in faith to bring healing and hope. I confess that I sometimes focus on what I lack rather than what I have in You. Today, I redirect my focus to Your power, love, and provision. Help me to see the needs around me and to respond with boldness and faith, trusting You to work through me. Use me to bring healing, hope, and glory to Your name. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
