Acts 3 begins with the story of a Miracle. There was a man crippled from birth who laid by the Gate Beautiful near Solomon’s court asking for money. His family would take him there daily. This had been his daily routine for all his life to lie at the gate as people entered for prayer; because, this occurred nearing the hour of prayer at the temple in Jerusalem. Peter and John saw him, heard his plea for money and stopped. He thought they were about to give him money. However, instead they gave him a miraculous gift of healing. This was a Miracle of God, given on His timing which lead to this man’s faith to stand. Certainly, from the story, we know that he had been laid there daily for years. Therefore, how many times did he watch, hoping and praying for Jesus to notice him and heal him?
Furthermore, there he lay daily at the gate of the temple in Jerusalem. He must have heard of all that happened concerning Jesus. Most likely, he was there when Jesus rode in on a donkey. Probably when Jesus overthrew the money tables, he lay at the gate watching. No doubt he heard that this healer Jesus was placed on trial and crucified. Was he lying there when the sky turned black as the wrath of God poured out upon Jesus in our place? It was the same hour. He must have heard people talking about the resurrection. Had he heard about the miracle at Pentecost? All of this happened; yet, he lay at the gate with his feet and ankles gnarled unable to walk. How many years did he pray for a miracle of God? However, God performed that miracle on His timing, giving Him the faith to stand.
A Miracle of God on His Timing
How long have you waited for God to answer a prayer of yours? What Miracle of God are you waiting for? Throughout my lifetime, I prayed for miracles. Sometimes it was healing I needed. At other times, I yearned to find someone who truly would love me for me. Financial miracles I seem always in need of. In part, because I tend to give away more than I have at times to help others or my family. First, I do tithe and give God His portion. He never chose to give me riches; however, He has always provided what I needed. My “needs” became a lot less over the years so I could give more. It was a miracle of God that I survived the aggressive cancer that should have taken my life.
Oh, and that person who would love me for me? Well, God has shown me He IS all I need. He is my love, my joy, and my hope. Furthermore, He has surrounded me with those who loved me despite my failures at times. He gave me Mom. She lived with me for 13 years before going to the nursing home. Then there are my children and my grandchildren. Furthermore, throughout my life, He has given me wonderful friends. The kind who are always there with open arms even after years of not seeing them or even talking with them. It has been a miracle of God, on His timing that gave me the faith to stand through any trial of life. He gave this man the faith to stand. He took the hand of Peter, stood up. Rejoicing, he leapt and danced-standing close to Peter and John.
The Faith to Stand
There he was praising God for the strength in his legs. Legs that had never learned to walk now danced. Crowds of Jewish people were gathered to pray at that hour of the day. These same people must have seen him over the years. Many had possibly given him coins in the past. Yet, despite having seen the gnarled feet so many times, now his feet were normal. Moreover, they were suddenly strong. Some had seen him lying there with gnarled feet as they entered that very day. Now he danced.
And all the people saw him walking and praising God. They knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple. And they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him. As the lame man, which was healed held Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon’s, greatly wondering. (Acts 3:9-11).
Peter, seeing the crowd gathering, began to preach. Filled with the Holy Spirit, his words poured forth in a sermon that lead to many being saved that day. He pointed to the fact that it was faith in Jesus Christ that healed this man. Belief in Jesus Christ gave him the faith to stand. Against all the odds, this man’s miracle of God on His timing, lead to the salvation of many lost souls. That is God’s Grace at work.
Another Miracle of God on His timing to consider
Remember Lazarus, whom Jesus raised from the dead? Jesus knew of his illness 3 days prior; but chose not to go and heal him. Why? Because, He knew the timing wasn’t right. Not yet. The Bible tells us He waited, because He loved Mary, Martha and Lazarus. Lazarus became ill. Therefore, his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick. When Jesus heard that, he said, ‘This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.’ Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus. When he had heard therefore that he was sick, he abode two days still in the same place where he was. (John 11:3-6).
Because He loved, He waited. He knew that He would raise Him from the dead. This was the Miracle of God, they needed to see. So, it had to be on His timing that He arrived. They needed the faith to stand through all that would occur at Calvary and at the tomb. His love was so great that He even suffered the agony of seeing their sorrow, their disappointment in Him, so He could teach them the faith to stand when trials would come.
Concluding Thoughts
So what miracle are you waiting for today? Know this! God’s plan is perfect. If you do not know Jesus Christ as Your Lord and Savior, today is the day you need to surrender your life to Him. Repenting of your sin, lay them at the feet of Jesus. Accept Him as Lord and Master of your life, knowing that He paid the penalty for your sin, He loves you and He only wants the best for you. Whatever trial you may face, He is reaching forth to draw you closer to Him. Only in His presence is fullness of Joy, regardless of the circumstance you face today. I know this because it has been a lifetime of seeing the miracles of God work out in His timing which taught me the faith to stand. His joy, His love, His hope are my shield.
DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD?
If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because, He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.
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Previous Posts in This Study of ACTS
What is our Greatest Opportunity at Hand?
The Remarkable Communication of the Holy Spirit in Revival
Is Being Filled with the Spirit a Different Experience?
What is the Baptism of the Holy Spirit?
How to Wait with Cautious Discernment
How to Hold Fast to the True Gospel Message
Disclosures
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2018
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
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