City Life Starter

Written by Scott Fiddler

The Word

1 One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon. 2 Now a man crippled from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. 3 When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. 4 Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” 5 So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them. 6 Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” 7 Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. 8 He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God.

Acts 3:1–8 (NIV 1984)

Reflection

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

Boy, did the lame man ask the wrong question! He asked for money from someone who didn’t have any. And he didn’t ask for healing from someone who could heal him.

But can we blame him? His understanding of the situation and the possibilities was limited. Fortunately for the man, Peter didn’t just say, “Sorry, I don’t have any money,” and move on. He stopped and gave him something so far beyond what he thought possible that he never considered asking for it.

But this got me to thinking—How often do we ask the wrong question of God? We are having financial problems because we convinced ourselves we had to have a new car, and now we ask God for a financial miracle. Or we are having marital problems because of our selfishness and short temper, and we ask God to save our marriage.

We ask God to change our circumstances instead of asking Him to change us.

Application

Peter could have given the man money, and he would have been back at the gate begging the next day. God could solve our financial or marital problems, and we would be praying for another miracle next month. 

The Lord is interested in something more important than making us comfortable and problem-free. He wants us to be transformed and conformed to His image. 

And that requires that we start asking a different question.

Prayer

Lord, help me to ask You for the right things. Amen.