God can use us to help others, sometimes in a miraculous way. In Acts 3 we read about an encounter between a crippled man and the disciples Peter and John. They were simply walking to the Temple at the time for prayer, when the man asked them for money. But Peter said to him: ‘I don’t have any silver or gold, but I do have something else I can give you. By the power of Jesus Christ from Nazareth, stand up and walk!’ (Acts 3:6 NCV). And the man walked. We need to remember that miracles often happen in ordinary moments. This man was probably no stranger to Peter and John; he was always outside of the Temple gates so they probably walked past him daily. But something about this day was different. Faith rose up in Peter, causing him to see an opportunity to glorify God, and he seized it. We don’t know when God wants to work miracles, it might be on a day that we least expect it to happen, in a way that we least expect. But when God shows us someone to help, we need to act. And we can’t act if we’re not ready and prepared for those opportunities. Three and a half years of walking with Christ, listening to His teaching, and seeing His miracles had prepared Peter and John for this moment. So had the ten days they’d just spent in the upper room being filled with the Holy Spirit. We can’t give out of nothing. So we need to make sure we’re filling ourselves with God and His Word. We need to make sure we’re practising hearing His voice. Otherwise, we may miss those opportunities, and we may have nothing to give people who need our help. As you’re going about your normal day today, ask God to open your eyes to the people around you who He’s calling you to help.
