Summertime StoriesSample

Acts 3:1-6

1 Peter and John went to the Temple one afternoon to take part in the three o’clock prayer service. 

2 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. 

3 When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for some money.

4 Peter and John looked at him intently, and Peter said, “Look at us!” 

5 The lame man looked at them eagerly, expecting some money. 

6 But Peter said, “I don’t have any silver or gold for you. But I’ll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!”

Can you imagine on your drive to work today, you stop by Starbucks and proclaim healing over the crippled man in line ahead of you? Or as you connect with a coworker in the office elevator, you declare freedom over his struggle with an addiction? 

This is what happened to Peter and John and what could be a reality for so many of us if we would keep our eyes open and ears attune to what God wants us to do each and every day. It was as they were going about their normal routine of life (headed to afternoon prayer at the Temple) that God interrupted them with an opportunity to preach the Gospel message in both word and action. At the same time, this crippled beggar who thought it was just another day begging at the Beautiful Gate, had no idea he was about to experience his miracle. I love that these apostles didn’t give the man what he asked for; they gave him what he needed. They didn’t see him as a crippled beggar; they saw him as a beloved child of God. 

As we prepare our hearts and minds through our daily disciplines and stay alert during our regular routines, God will invite us to be His hands and feet to the lost and hurting throughout our day. To be used by God, all we need is to be ready to hear, attentive to see, and obedient to follow His command. 

Today, while you are on the move, look for a moment to share the love of Christ with someone!