All Praise to God – September 13, 2024

Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do 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. He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. When all the people saw him walking and praising God. . . they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.
Acts 3:6-10

All Praise to God

He positioned himself at a busy part of the temple. Maybe someone carried him there, or perhaps he crawled. He could not walk. He spent his days begging for money. He begged from two of Jesus’ disciples, Peter and John. They didn’t have any money. They had something better.

In the name of Jesus, Peter takes the man by the hand and helps him up. Instantly, bones, tendons, ligaments, and muscles that hadn’t worked before miraculously could. Everyone watched in amazement as this man went with Peter and John, praising the God who had healed him, his Savior, Jesus.

It was a fairy tale ending made real life for that man. He could walk. But is it always a fairy tale ending for every believer in Jesus? The troubles in their lives don’t miraculously disappear all the time. The cancer diagnosis turns into a funeral. The financial hardship ends in bankruptcy. The relationship falls apart.

And yet, believers continue to trust in God whether he provides a miracle for them or not. God uses those hardships to strengthen their faith in him. Their perseverance becomes an example to others as they watch their unwavering faith in God. They are reminded that this earthly home is only temporary, and the joys of heaven are not worth comparing to present sufferings. So, they set their eyes on something greater than a physical miracle. They set their eyes on Jesus.

With wonder and amazement, Christians give thanks to Jesus for his sacrifice on the cross. That sacrifice means that believers won’t have a fairy tale ending. Instead, it will be a real life beginning—the beginning of their eternal life with their Savior, Jesus.

Prayer:
Dear Lord, no matter my circumstances, keep my eyes fixed on Jesus and the eternity he won for me through his sacrifice. Amen.