Not Surprised

One day was all it took. Peter and John were on their way church when they saw a crippled man on the side of the road. The man asked them for money and it got Peter’s attention.

Peter looked at the man. I’m sure lots of people had seen this man before, but how many people had actually “seen” him? Peter saw a need and understood he had the solution. Peter had been touched by the Holy Spirit just one chapter earlier and his life was different. The Holy Spirit opens our eyes to our role in the problems that surround us.

“Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” (Acts 3:6) Peter helped the man get up to his feet and he began to run and jump and praise God.

Have you ever wondered why we don’t see more stories like this happening in our world today? Maybe it's because, unlike Peter, we can no longer say “silver or gold I do not have,” because we do have them. Maybe it's because, unlike Peter, we can no longer see what do> have. Maybe it's because, unlike Peter, we are unwilling to give our treasure to someone who truly needs it.

Many people believe that God no longer moves miraculously on the earth today. They believe that the miracles recorded in the Bible were for a particular time and for a specific reason. They are surprised and skeptical when they hear that God may still be moving on the earth today. Peter encountered dismissive people in the Temple courts that day, too. “Why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk?” (Acts 3:12)

If there is anything to be surprised at, it would be that someone treated a needy person with respect and dignity, that they didn’t pass by an opportunity to show the love of God to someone who did not know Him. It might be eyeopening when someone is generous, but we should not be in shock when God moves in mercy.

Miracles happen every day--both big and small--and Peter reminds us that they aren’t reserved for powerful or godly people. Miracles happen when someone understands that what they have can be shared. Without a doubt, God is moving supernaturally on the earth today, the only question is whether we will see it, whether we have time for it, and whether we will be a part of it.