Unstoppable! 'Worship with a Personal Touch' — Acts 3:7-8

Wednesday, February 15, 2023

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 3:7-8 NLT

Key Thought

I love how personally Peter was involved in this miraculous healing and how sensitively Luke described it. Peter extended his hand and helped the man stand for the first time. God strengthened and healed the man's ankles instantly. Then, with a burst of joyous excitement, the man began to worship God by jumping and leaping as he praised God. Then, for the first time under his own power, the formerly lame man entered the Temple with Peter and John. Imagine his astonishment and joy! One moment he was limited, bound by life's circumstances, and dependent on others just to get to the gate of the Temple to beg. Now, because of the powerful presence and healing of Jesus through the apostles' word, his physical disabilities were gone. His ostracism was gone, and fellowship and touch were celebrated. And, as the moment unfolded, his healing became the opportunity for him to use his hardship for a greater purpose: being a witness to the greatness and grace of God. Each of us who has been saved also has a powerful story to share. Will we be bold enough to share it?

Today's Prayer

Loving Father, thank you for saving me and filling my life with purpose and meaning. Give me wisdom and courage as I seek to share your grace with those who need your healing, forgiveness, and salvation. Holy Spirit, guide me as I strive to treat seekers and unbelievers with gentleness and respect so they can see Jesus alive in me. I ask this in the name of the Lord Jesus and for the sake of the lost you want me to influence. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • 1 Peter 3:15-17
  • Matthew 28:18-20

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Illustration

Illustration of Acts 3:7-8 NLT — 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.

About This Devotional

Unstoppable! is a one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage, a reflection and a prayer. The reflection opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges one to live for Jesus.

Unstoppable! is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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