In this passage of scripture we learn a valuable lesson through a lame man. No, not a person who is unnecessarily dull, but a person who is unable to walk. The challenge that this must have imposed on his life is unimaginable for the times. He had to depend solely on other people to carry him to where he needed to go. No electric scooters or wheelchairs to shuttle him to where he needed to be, but total dependence on others.
This is a man who had to beg for everything that he needed, or at least what he thought he needed. In his short-sightedness, which for his situation and this point in time would have seemed like a reasonable request, he needed money to sustain his living. However, there was another option that Peter identified, solving the root cause of his dilemma.
I have a co-worker who trained me when I started the job. One of the first things he mentioned to me in training was, “Give a man a fish, feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and feed him for a lifetime.” Peter could have met his immediate need by giving him money for the day. However, he knew there was a greater need and chose to address the root of the man's problem. In the case of this man who was healed, he could now go out and make a living to support himself. Although we do not know anything more about what happened to the man, I would hope that he went on to help others, or at the very least share his story and pray for others to be healed.
How often do we ask for our wants when a greater need is present? Philippians 4:19 reminds us that God is able to supply our needs according to His riches in glory. This verse is not a blank check for everything we want. It is encouragement to trust an unlimited God to supply our needs.
Paul wrote these words while thanking the Philippians for generously supporting him. He said that he was “amply supplied” because of what they had given. His confidence in God’s provision came in the context of generosity, contentment, and faithful partnership.
God is not limited in His ability to provide. He can use resources, circumstances, and people in ways we may never expect. Ask in faith, but trust God with the outcome. Ask for healing while also asking for strength and comfort as you wait. Ask for solutions while trusting God through the process. Ask for peace and joy that remain even when circumstances have not yet changed.
Prayer:
Our Father in Heaven, glory and honor to Your name. Lord, help me to feel confident in coming boldly before you with my requests, and having the faith to believe You will provide. Thank You for supplying all of my needs, and blessing me far beyond what I asked time after time. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Author: Travis White |
