WHAT I HAVE I GIVE

Acts 3:6-7

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." Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man's feet and ankles became strong.

A few days ago I was talking with a young man who is an alcoholic and had just relapsed after being sober for almost one year. It seems whenever I am confronted with a tragic circumstance such as this, I want to throw myself into it as if I alone -- my words or actions -- can save the person. The net result is, I don't get a vote when it comes time for this man to decide whether to have a drink or not.

Sometimes a person can feel so lost, so alone, and so helpless. They can feel powerless over their own lives. In the beggar's case -- his lameness since birth, or my young friend's case -- his addictive nature. Peter looked into this hopelessness; he spoke with the power of the Spirit, in the name of the one who has authority over all -- "walk"; then took him by the hand and helped him up.

This last action, helping him up, is a test of faith and humility. Faith because you must be absolutely convinced God can and will heal according to His sovereign will; and humility because if He chooses to heal or not heal, it is not because of your great faith or lack of it. I think a lot of miracles don't happen in front of our eyes, because God knows our nature, He knows we are one miracle away from going on the talk show circuit -- to tell everyone about our "great faith," rather than God's awesome power.

So what do we have that we can give someone who is in great need? Give them Jesus. He is the ultimate "one step" program. I am reminded of Peter's words, "_________ or ________ I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, _________." Fill in the blanks the next time you are working with someone in a desperate situation.

pocketpower.com