| The
Bible says: 'When he saw Peter and John...he asked them for
money...Then Peter said, "Silver and 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...he jumped to his
feet and began to walk...' (vv. 3-8 NIV). This story raises three
questions: 1) What's your area of weakness? That's important to know,
because a handicap in one area can cripple you in other areas. Apart
from lacking strength in his ankles this man was normal, but his
weakness stopped him from living a happy life. We all struggle with
something. 'The temptations in your life are no different from what
others experience...' (1 Corinthians 10:13 NLT). 2) How are you handling
your weakness? This man was at the temple gate to beg. Why are you
there? You need to know that, before you can get up and move on. Refuse
to settle there; rise up and say: 'This may be who I am now, but by
God's grace it's not who I'm going to be!' 3) What are you expecting? A
crutch to help you live with your problem? A way to avoid doing what's
necessary to become whole? This man was looking for handouts, not
healing. But handouts won't get you back on your feet. Furthermore, when
your focus is limited to what people can do for you, it can cause you
to miss what God can do for you. By God's power this man got up and
walked--and you can, too. |
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