How To Help People – Part 1

One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer — at three in the afternoon. Acts 3:1

The Bible says: ‘Peter and John went up together to the temple at the hour of prayer… And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple… to ask alms from those who entered… who, seeing Peter and John… asked for alms… Peter said, “Look at us.” So, he gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them. Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength’ (vv. 1-7). Notice two things: 1) Miracles happen in ordinary moments. This man was probably no stranger to Peter and John; they walked past him daily. But this day was different. Peter said, ‘Look at us. We have the answer you need.’ Supernatural faith rose up in Peter’s heart, causing him to see an opportunity to glorify God, and he seized it. 2) You must be prepared when your moment comes. You can’t give what you don’t have. You can’t tell what you don’t know. You can’t share what you don’t feel. You can’t give out of a vacuum. You can’t see what you are not looking for and you cannot hear what you are not listening for. The fact is, nothing great is created suddenly; it takes time. Three and a half years of walking with Christ, listening to His messages, and seeing His miracles had prepared the apostles for this moment. So had the ten days they’d just spent in the upper room being filled with the Holy Spirit. So, the word for you today is: to help people, you must be prepared!

Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me grow daily in my understanding of You and others so I am ready to bear witness and SEE those around me who need help! In Jesus’ Name, Amen