One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon.
Now a man who was lame from birth was 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 do 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
We do not know from the story in Acts 3 whether the beggar knew Peter and John were disciples of Jesus or not. Maybe, maybe not. I’m not sure it matters all that much.
But what we do know from the story is that the beggar asked them for money and the apostles responded, “Silver or gold I do not have…. but what I can offer you is even better than that.”
It is true that God loves for us to come to Him with all sorts of requests. He loves for us to rely on Him for a solution to every need.
But we can ask for too little. The beggar just wanted money. Never in his wildest imagination did he expect to be healed in that moment. And yet, because it was Peter and John that he approached boldly, he received gifts far greater than he imagined.
The same is true for all of us. We can ask God to provide for our financial needs—and we certainly should. But He is able to do far more! He is able to heal us from our deepest wounds and provide for even our greatest spiritual and emotional needs.
May we often approach the God who provides with boldness and confidence.
And when we see how the story in Acts 3 concludes, we are motivated even more to do so.
When the beggar was healed, he fell in love with God and began praising Him. And all the people were drawn closer to God because of it.
Our big requests to God not only meet our needs, but draw others to Him as well.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You that You hear every request I bring to You. Your love always continues to astonish me. Give me the boldness to ask for more and the faith to believe You are able. Amen.