God wants to give us more, but often our expectations are low. As Peter and John went to the Temple for afternoon prayer, they met a man begging at the Temple Gate. Acts 3:2Each 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. 3 When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for some money. [1]
The man had been lame from birth, but his only expectation that day was for someone to give him money. Instead, the Lord had a better plan. Acts 3:4 Peter and John looked at him intently, and Peter said, “Look at us!” 5 The lame man looked at them eagerly, expecting some money. 6 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!” [2] The man instantly jumped up as the Lord healed him and began to walk, praising God.
God Wants More for Us Than We Do
In the Lord’s timing, the lame man was healed and would enter a new season in his life. How did his testimony of being healed by the Lord affect people? God is a God that answers prayer, and He also wants to give us blessings that we can’t imagine. Sometimes, our circumstances can cause us to be discouraged and want to give up. Perhaps you are praying for healing or someone’s salvation, and the Lord is encouraging you not to give up.
As we pray for people and our circumstances, the Lord often does work in us as we pray. Prayer changes how we see ourselves and others. God gives us good gifts, especially calling us to faith and making us one of His children. Sometimes, thinking about how the Lord wants to give us good things is beneficial. When God doesn’t answer our prayers the way we want them to be, we question Him. In God’s wisdom, He answers our prayers for others in the best for that person.
Dare to Dream for More
Ephesians 3:20Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.[3] As you meditate on this verse, think about what the Lord wants to do through you. We might be unable to do something, but God working through us makes everything possible. We live in a hurting world, and the Lord wants to use you in ways only He can imagine.
You might not think of yourself as a prayer warrior interceding for others, but God does. You may lack Biblical understanding, but the Lord wants you to pray for a fresh anointing as you read His word. I don’t think Peter envisioned being an Apostle, or Noah anticipated building an Ark, or Mary imagined being the mother of Jesus, but God did! As we seek the Kingdom of God and for His will to be done in our lives, don’t be surprised by what the Lord will place before you. Remember, only Peter walked on water because he got out of the boat.
To learn how God wants to give us more, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/the-healed-beggar
[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.