December 13, 2007 - Acts 3:16b

“’It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can all see.’” Acts 3:16b.
A crowd had assembled to see what all of the excitement was about. Peter began speaking to this impromptu crowd in response to a healing that had just happened to a man born crippled, and he used the opportunity to speak about the goodness of God expressed in the complete healing of this person. The people seemed to look at Peter and John, as if to say that the two of them were the ones who healed the man. Peter clearly states that it was not by either John’s or his own power that this happened, but it was done in the name of Jesus and by faith in Jesus.
Have you ever been part of such a happening, either being part of the crowd to witness a healing or perhaps being involved for praying for someone to be healed and seeing them healed? I must admit that when I have seen “healings”, there is always a part of me that is a bit skeptical, and yet, I have been amazed to witness a number of healings. I have also been privileged to see, pray for, and experience healings first hand. And I must confess that I really thought that I was something special because, after all, God used me, as if there was some “goodness” within me that “allowed” God access into this prayed-for person’s life. Wow, was I deluded! (Don’t worry too much – I believe differently about myself now!)
Peter and John had their heads screwed on correctly concerning their involvement in the healing. They recognized that it all happened by God’s goodness in and through Jesus. If there was anything special, it was in this person, Jesus. It was God who directed Peter and John to stop outside of the Temple, look this crippled man in the eye, and commanding him to get up and walk by Jesus’ name. And they wanted to make sure that recognition was properly given to God for His intervention in the life of this person.
Question to consider: In our hearts, who do we give recognition to when God intervenes in our life or in the life of those we pray for? Let’s take some time to examine our hearts, and please, do not just make a quick comment that “of course, I give glory to God.” Take your time and allow God to massage your heart.
Prayer: God, I ask You this day to help me take my time to see if there are any areas in my life where I seek to give myself the credit for good and great things done in my life. Help me to recognize Your involvement in and through me and to give You the proper recognition of Your presence and activity. Amen.