I'll Give You What I Have...

Acts 3:6 “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!’”

Greetings, all you blessed and highly-favored children of God!

Sometimes we feel as though we have nothing to offer – that there’s nothing we can do.  This past week I have been keeping close tabs on a buddy who has been battling a nasty case of pneumonia in the hospital.  So bad, in fact, that it has required several days worth of hospitalization, untold amounts of antibiotics and other medication, and struggles with collapsing veins and other stuff.

It is easy to feel helpless in situations like these; there’s not much we can do.  Or is there?  Right before the verse above takes place, Peter and John were on their way to pray at the temple when a lame man – a man who had been lame since birth and had to be physically taken to the temple – saw them and did what he did best: He begged.  His life was one of depending on others for life’s most basic needs and begging for money. 

I wonder how this man’s family felt?  Were they frustrated? Tired? Sad that he was in the condition he was? The Bible says he was lame from birth and now he was a full-grown man.

But I love what Peter said, “I don’t have any silver or gold for you.”  Likewise, what have I had that I could offer my friend this week while she’s been hospitalized? Or what could I offer my other friend whose daughter is in the midst of a nasty divorce? Or what do you or I have that we can offer in seemingly hopeless situations?  Let’s face the facts. This is a hurting and dark world, and many times I feel overwhelmed with all the crazy that is happening near and far.

Yet this morning as I was preparing for work, I read the above-verse and God whispered to my heart, “Yenisita, you have Jesus.  Share Him with others. PRAY!” And then I felt practically giddy because (A) I am all about that praying, and (B) When we invite Jesus into the messes of life, verse eight happens.

“The lame man jumped up, stood on his feet, and began to walk! Then, walking, leaping, and praising God, he went into the Temple with them.”

We all have Jesus, and powerful, life-changing things take place when we share Him with others.  You may not have one other thing that can make a positive impact, but you have the One Who always makes a difference. Glory!

PRAYER: Dear Lord, Sometimes we feel that prayer is a waste of time.  Forgive us for ever feeling that way.  Every single time we share Christ or pray for someone, something excellent and miraculous is taking place.  Help us believe it. In Jesus’ healing name we pray, AMEN!