“One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer–at three in the afternoon. Now a man crippled from birth as 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 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.” Acts 3:1-10
I have a physical defect in my arm that I was apparently born with – a few bones were fused together that shouldn’t have been, and because of that I can’t turn arm over so that the palm of my hand faces up. It’s weird, and my arm doesn’t look like anything is wrong with it, and it doesn’t really bother me. I’ve had to make some adaptations in my life because of it, but it never really stopped me from doing much.
I wish I could tell you that my little defect was the only thing I had to deal with, but in reality, I have a bigger defect.
I am a spiritual cripple. In the worst way. I was born that way. And what makes it worse is that, unlike in the case of my arm, I have allowed my condition to define and dictate my life. I AM that crippled man at the gate called Beautiful. Like him, I’ve spent many times in my life hanging around places where other, “well” people circulate – you know – more important people, more successful people, richer people, beautiful people, happier people, you name it…hoping that I might get a few of the crumbs they leave behind. I’ve waited for others to be my providers of the things that I thought might help me, change me, make me special…whatever. I believed, from as early as I can remember, that those things – the wonderful, joyful, successful, happy things – belonged to other people, but not to me. Like the crippled man, I’ve watched others pass me by, never believing that I could have what they have.
Well, I was wrong. So very wrong. I have an unopened gift that needs to be opened. A gift that is, by its nature, the thing I need the most. I have the gift of Jesus, who died to set me free from my afflictions, defects, sins, mental blocks, hangups, screw-ups, my past, my negative thoughts – the shackles I have forged for myself in this life. In HIS name I must get up from my spot as a crippled beggar, and WALK! I am capable, blessed, loved, and I matter, because JESUS said that I am all of those things THROUGH and IN HIM! I need to ACT LIKE IT! And I am compelled to tell you about it! Why? Because Jesus died to set you free too! In Christ’s equation, we need only accept His gift to be set free from our defects, and IN HIM we can do all things. ALL things!
Today is a new day!
Heavenly Father, thank you for this amazing message from your word. Thank you for telling each one of us that we don’t have to be a crippled beggar, but that we are worthy to walk in you, and in your light, and enter through the gate called Beautiful. Thank you for the blessings that you give us, and the mercies you give us every day. Thank you for giving us a hope in you. Lord, we ask for the wisdom to remember these things every day. Bless us with renewed hope every day. Remind us, every day, that you have given us a future, even when circumstances look dark. Hold us up and strengthen us as we walk in your way. Forgive us for our doubt, bad attitudes, and bad behaviors. Always bring us back to your word, and restore us. Thank you for all that you do for us, and are to us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Copyright ConnieD. 2012. All rights reserved.
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