Unstoppable! 'The Powerful Testimony of a Transformed Life' — Acts 3:9-11

Sunday, February 16, 2025

All the people saw [the man who had been lame] walking and heard him praising God. When they realized he was the lame beggar they had seen so often at the Beautiful Gate, they were absolutely astounded! They all rushed out in amazement to Solomon's Colonnade, where the man was holding tightly to Peter and John.

Key Thought

Don't you love Luke's phrase, "absolutely astounded"? I would have been bewildered and amazed, too! A man who had sat for years at the same gate with withered feet and ankles begging for a few loose coins now was jumping, leaping, praising God, and entering the Temple on his own two feet. Praise God! How does such an astounding miracle happen? It was Jesus, the Messiah from Nazareth, who gave full healing in an instant to this former lame beggar (Acts 3:6). Who could argue with his testimony? He was transformed in every way - spiritually, he was jubilant; physically, he was healed; and interpersonally, he was no longer a helpless beggar and was now leading a horde of people to learn the story of Jesus. So, here's a question for each of us. Since Jesus could produce so many changes for the man who met Peter and John at the Beautiful Gate and who was healed by Jesus, what can he do for you and me? But wait! If we have been saved by grace through faith, hasn't he already done something even greater in us? Absolutely! And that means, dear friend in Christ, we also have a testimony to share.

Today's Prayer

O Father, your grace has reached me, transformed me, and empowered me through your Spirit. I pray that my life will be a living display to others of what Jesus can do. I also pray that I can lead people to Jesus, too. I ask this in Jesus' name, so I can share your grace. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Mark 5:1-20
  • 1 Peter 3:15-17

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1 Related Resource by Heartlight

Illustration

Illustration of Acts 3:9-11 NLT — All the people saw [the man who had been lame] walking and heard him praising God. When they realized he was the lame beggar they had seen so often at the Beautiful Gate, they were absolutely astounded! They all rushed out in amazement to Solomon's Colonnade, where the man was holding tightly to Peter and John.

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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.