Extraordinary Faith

One day Peter and John went to the Temple at three o’clock, the time set each day for the afternoon prayer service. There, at the Temple gate called Beautiful Gate, was a man who had been crippled all his life. Every day he was carried to this gate to beg for money from the people going into the Temple.

Acts 3:1-2 NCV

For years, a man who had been crippled from birth lay at the feet of many who walked by him and through the gates which led into the worship place called the temple. This man, name unknown, spent his entire life dependent upon those around him who would carry him daily upon his pallet and strategically set him at the same gate. There he would lie, begging for money to assist with mere survival. 

Tenacity

Many walked by with disregard, but he never gave up. This tenacious man had faith that someone would care enough to toss a few coins his way. Their donations made his lonely effort to survive a bit more tolerable. In his own way, he was faithful to his own cause.

Then, on a day like many others, the crippled man was met by two men of God—Christians named Peter and John. They, being filled with the Holy Spirit, gave to the man what he really needed, an encounter with the one true God. As they prayed, supernatural faith kicked in and the man was instantly healed. No longer crippled, he began walking, leaping, and praising God. 

Now, keep this fact in mind.

The man had never ever walked before in his entire life. Yet, he was able to effortlessly walk and jump after his healing, praising God like it was second nature for him to do so. He had probably never participated in a worship service, either. Perhaps he had never given much thought to having a personal relationship with God, let alone the Son of God. 

Yet, the once lame man shouted for joy and praised his Healer. Not knowing exactly who he was dealing with, God obviously gave him the faith to receive his healing. After receiving his miracle, the once lame man went joyfully with Peter and John into the temple to worship. It was a dream come true.

Perhaps you have experienced times in your life when God instilled a supernatural faith. Not just ordinary faith, but completely extraordinary faith. Sometimes we need that little bit of extra, don’t we?  How good of the Lord to offer extraordinary faith when we need it! 

Challenging Thought: Is your faith large or small? Remember, Jesus said it wouldn’t take much! With faith the size of a tiny mustard seed, miracles can happen! 

Read more devotions like this one in a new book Janice co-authored with Louise Looney titled An Overcoming Walk of Peaks and Valleys, now available on Amazon!