These days I was looking at some posts on social media and came across the text of Acts 3.
This passage tells the story of a miracle performed in the life of a lame man. One day Peter and John were on their way to the temple and came to them bringing a man with a disability in his legs, which made it impossible for him to move.
A detail in the text caught my attention, I looked for some studies and words about it and I need to share it with you.
Healing cause and consequence
“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“
Acts 3:2-7
As soon as the man came to Peter and John we see that the apostle said to him “Look at us!”.
The man sought to get only alms. And, given his condition, Peter’s first word to him was not about alms nor was it “Get up and walk”, but it was a direction in the look.
The biggest problem in the sick man’s life was not his illness itself, but his mind needed to be opened. The disciples could see and recognize that man’s problem, but God doesn’t just want to solve what is visible to our eyes, He also wants to bring a solution to issues that we don’t see.
When God told Abraham to count the stars in Genesis 15, He knew that one person would not be able to count them all. But the Lord wanted Abraham to lift up his head and look to the place where help comes from. He didn’t want to see a man full of promises looking at the ground or in the wrong place, because our heads help guide our steps.
Strength that comes from within
“It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer. He causes me to stand on the heights“
2 Samuel 22:33-34
In our body there is the Nervous System. He who commands all movements, through impulses received from the brain. If one of these plants doesn’t work properly, the whole body suffers.
A sick mind does not give correct commands to the feet. It would be useless for God to deliver healing to that man if his mind was not healthy and focused to be able to correctly command his legs.
A strong mind also fortifies the body. We need to make Him our rock to make this possible. That man first needed to look to the right place: Jesus, the only one able to give what he really needed, and then receive the strength to walk firmly.
He knows what you need!
“But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life“
Jude 1:20-21
Therein lies the great beauty of learning to wait on Him. Everything that was dreamed of by Him will not just be delivered into your hands at any moment. He will first prepare your hands and arrange the time so that you can receive it wisely, having the strength to sustain what has been poured out on you. He will also need to align his vision. Maybe you’re just begging when he can give you complete healing.
He doesn’t do anything by halves. Often what we ask for seems, in our minds, a complete picture; but in God’s plan that is the roof of a little house deep in the beautiful landscape that He is painting full of details and great things.
Our eyes need to be turned to God for miracles to happen, not to our problems and difficulties. For He wants to heal and renew us completely, not in a part, not just a percentage.
