Asking For One Thing And Getting Another

"And fixing his eyes on him, with John, 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. So, he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them—walking, leaping, and praising God." - Acts 3:4-8

Whenever I read this passage, my mind goes back to our work at the Haitian orphanage in Jacmel. I oversaw the building of 2 orphanages there. My good friends and Brothers, Pastor Doug Moyer and John Turnbull and I reenacted the encounter with the lame man for the orphans. Doug was the lame man - John and I were Peter and John. The message was and is the same. Very often we are looking for one solution, but God has a greater one in mind. The lame man did need money but more than that - he needed Jesus. 

We tend to focus on his physical healing - which was wonderful on its own, but he believed in the name of Jesus. And that brought a greater healing. His physical healing was a demonstration of his spiritual healing. 

I think about what I pray about, and wonder are some of those prayers misdirected? Am I looking at the wrong things - worried about the wrong things - demonstrating my dependence or devotion to the things of this world more than on God? Like the lame man, we may find that we ask for one thing, but God gives us another. Do we recognize it for what it is, a greater blessing, or are we dismayed for not getting what we asked for?

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:6-7

It is easy to read it, but harder to do it. That is because it requires faith and trust.

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory. 

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone