Jesus welcomed the people, taught them about the Kingdom of God and healed those in need. Luke 9:11

Seeds of the Kingdom

Stepping Out In Faith

by Philip Asselin

Peter and John looked at him intently, and Peter said, “Look at us!” The lame man looked at them eagerly, expecting some money. But Peter said, “I don’t have any silver or gold for you. But I’ll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!” Then Peter took the lame man by the right hand and helped him up. And as he did, the man’s feet and ankles were instantly healed and strengthened. He jumped up, stood on his feet, and began to walk! Then, walking, leaping, and praising God, he went into the Temple with them.
Acts 3:4-8, NLT

There was here a man who had been crippled from birth and was now over forty years old (Acts 4:22). In addition to whatever damage had occurred to him in his mother’s womb, or when he was born, his muscles and tendons would have atrophied. Even if the original cause of the problem were to be immediately cured, he would not have been able to take a few steps without months of intense physio and rehabilitation. Yet, in an instant, he was not only physically healed of the original deformity, but all his muscles, tendons, and nerves were re-formed, so that he could not only walk, but dance and leap for joy.

When did that miracle happen? Was it as soon as Peter spoke the words of healing in the name of Jesus? No. Was it when Peter reached out to help him to his feet? No. It was the moment that the man’s tiny seed of faith engaged with the power of God, and he attempted to stand. It was then that the impossible became reality.

Many of you reading this will have been challenged by God, either directly, or through the words of another (a pastor, preacher, evangelist, or even a stranger), to ‘step out’ into something new and quite different from what you have been used to. This may be something big, or something small, but you feel inadequate for the task.  Maybe you are even thinking, “Why me, after all these years (forty or more)”?  For the crippled man there was something powerful in the words of Peter that inspired him to comply. (Are you sensing something in this challenge that echoes in your spirit from the Lord?)

The crippled man could have brushed aside Peter’s extended hand and demanded money, or to be left alone. What was being offered was not what he was expecting. However, he took the offered hand, and suddenly his whole world changed forever, for the better, and joy filled his heart where once there was just emptiness. Is God calling you to take His offered hand and step into what may be unknown for you, but is totally known to Him?

Philip Asselin Philip is on the associate ministry and teaching teams with Glyndley Manor. He and his wife Gillian attended the second Healing Retreat at Glyndley Manor in 1992, and were greatly helped. They have two grown up children, one grandson, and a step-granddaughter in California, and a daughter and granddaughter in Eastbourne. His desire is to see people healed and set free to serve God.

 

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