As we are back on track studying through the book of Acts we encounter a man who has been in a bad situation for a very long time. As a matter of fact he has been crippled all his life and he is now over 40 years old. He had no reason to believe this day would be any different from any other. Day after day he was carried to the gate of the temple to beg for his living. But today was different. Today was God’s appointed time to heal him. Why did it take so long? Jesus Himself certainly walked past this beggar many times. The beggar likely gave up hope a long time ago of ever living a normal life. What can we learn from this story?

“Peter and John went to the Temple one afternoon to take part in the three o’clock prayer service. As they approached the Temple, a man lame from birth was being carried in. Each day he was put beside the Temple gate, the one called the Beautiful Gate, so he could beg from the people going into the Temple. When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for some money. Peter and John looked at him intently, and Peter said, “Look at us!” The lame man looked at them eagerly, expecting a gift. But Peter said, “I don’t have any money for you. But I’ll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!” Then Peter took the lame man by the right hand and helped him up. And as he did, the man’s feet and   anklebones were healed and strengthened. He jumped up, stood on his feet, and began to walk! Then, walking, leaping, and praising God, he went into the Temple with them. All the people saw him walking and heard him praising God. When they realized he was the lame beggar they had seen so often at the Beautiful Gate, they were absolutely astounded!” Acts 3:1-10, NLT.

Yes today was different. Today, a legitimate miracle has taken place. The beggar’s life will never be the same.

Have you been suffering long? Have you given up hope of a good or even normal life a long time ago? Take heart. Today could be the day of God’s intervention. Don’t you think this man or his parent prayed many times for healing? For some reason, in God’s wisdom, his appointed miracle was today.

“I would have lost heart, unless I had believed That I would see the goodness of the LORD In the land of the living. Wait on the LORD; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the LORD!” Psalms 27:13, 14, NKJV.

Pastor Mike