Set Free: 21 Day Devotional: Day 19

Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you.  In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” Acts 3:6 (NIV)

As we prepare to attend our Annual Network Conference, this year’s theme is “Set Free.” I love this theme because, at some point in life, every one of us needs freedom from something.

In Acts 3, we read the powerful story of Peter and John going to the temple one afternoon to participate in the time of prayer. As they approached, they encountered a man who had been lame from birth, sitting at the gate begging for money. It’s here that we hear Peter’s well known response:  “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.”

In that moment, the man was instantly healed. It’s one of the great miracles of Scripture. The Bible tells us he went into the temple courts, walking and jumping, praising God.

Often, we view this story through the lens of what the man received, and rightly so. He was given something far greater than silver or gold; he received physical healing.

But there’s another perspective worth considering. Peter and John didn’t allow their lack of money to limit their response. They didn’t see what they didn’t have, they acted in faith with what they did have.

So often in life and ministry, we look to money as the solution to our challenges. And when we do, we can miss the greater miracle God wants to perform.  My prayer is that we would never become more dependent on money than on God. That when opportunities arise, we wouldn’t walk past them simply because we feel we lack resources, but instead, we would discern the deeper need and trust God for what only He can do.

Lord, thank You for always providing.  Help me to depend more on You than on what You provide.  Give me eyes to see the greater need, and set me free from limiting what You can do in and through my life. Amen.