Day 51 — More than I bargained for!

Acts 3:1-6
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 some money. 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!”

A couple of years ago a contractor arrived at church midweek to do some work. It was clear on arrival that he wasn’t happy. He was angry he couldn’t park, angry that his company hadn’t provided scaffolding and was very angry with his boss, so in front of me proceeded to hit his head against a brick wall! Realising he was having a bad day, I asked if he would like a nice cup of tea. His response to my question was, ‘Is the only way to the Father through Jesus?’ I was expecting, ‘Milk with two sugars, please’. Even his young apprentice commented, ‘She only asked if you wanted a cup of tea’. I certainly got more than I bargained for in asking a question about a simple brew!

When the lame man met Peter and John who were on their way to the temple, the lame man asked them for money as was his custom every day to those passing by. But the man actually got far more than he bargained for. He asked for cash but got complete health.

How often do we limit what we go to God for? Is it because we don’t believe he wants to be that generous, or maybe our past experience has left us disappointed and so we adjust our expectancy? Or maybe like the lame man, after years of asking for the same thing, in the same way we settle for what ‘sort of’ works.

Is it possible that you are missing out on what God really wants to do in you and through you because you are asking for one thing but he wants to give you something of far more value?

Ephesians 3:20 tells us:
‘God can do anything, you know – far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams’

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for your generous heart. Please help me today to be expectant, and regardless of any past disappointments, go after all you have for me. 

Mary Grinham
Leadership Team