What Are You Asking For????

ACTS 3:1-10

One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon. Now a man who was lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them.

 Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.”  Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong.  He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. When all the people saw him walking and praising God,  they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.

How many times have I been this beggar?

Looking to the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and asking for something as temporary as silver or gold?

In a world where money holds so much meaning,

it’s easy to get caught up in the pursuit of more.

Especially around the holiday season, conversations can be overheard just about anywhere you go that involve the desire for or lack of money.

When I read this particular story this morning, I was struck with the sadness of a man who was unable to walk but was asking for money from men who had the power to heal him physically.

I love that Peter and John saw through the outer layer of this man’s begging and looked deep into his heart.

I love that they saw what he couldn’t even see anymore.

They saw his real need.

They saw the one thing that could change this man’s life forever.

A coin in his basket would have given him food for a day.

The ability to walk would allow him to earn food for a lifetime, and even more than that it would introduce him to the amazing power of Jesus Christ.

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I know firsthand that the healing power of Jesus doesn’t cure every illness.

I prayed without ceasing for cancer to be taken from my son Nick but eventually had to watch him die.

But I also believe that perfect healing happens in Heaven, and the miracle for Nick took  place where he would no longer have to face any kind of trial this world would send his way.

I’ll never fully understand the ways of God while I’m on this planet, but I’ve trusted Him with our loss; and I believe that what He has done inside our grieving hearts has been the biggest earthly miracle of all for our family.

He continues to walk the road of grief with us every day and brings joy in the middle of what could be a sorrow-filled life.

So, today, I’m thankful for a God who looks into my heart and sees exactly what I need.

For me, the answer to my prayer has been peace and joy in the middle of sadness.

Not gold.

Or silver.

I wonder what you really need from God today?

I love that He already knows.

Don’t settle for begging for money as you approach the throne of grace.

Yes, God, wants to take care of your physical needs.

Thank Him when He does.

But when you come before Him today,

I hope you’ll find yourself overwhelmed with how much more He can really give you.

New life.

New purpose.

New joy.

New strength.

New hope.

New passion.

New peace.

Silver or gold I do not have,

but what I do have I give you.

In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk!!!!

I’m praying for you today!

Praying you receive from God exactly what you need the most!