Look Up!

 By Hannah McClurg

Discouragement hits hard. This past summer was discouraging, so much so that prayer almost seemed pointless. Everything seemed beyond the realm of possibility, and sometimes I didn’t know how to think about the next step. I began to adopt the outlook that the circumstances were beyond the Lord’s ability to “work together for good.” (Rom. 8:28) And then, one morning, while reading in the book of Acts, the Lord had a lesson for me.

The Lame Beggar

 
“And a man who had been lame from his mother’s womb was being carried along, whom they used to set down every day at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, in order to beg alms of those who were entering the temple. When he saw Peter and John about to go into the temple, he began asking to receive alms.” (Acts‬ ‭3:2-3‬) *

The man in Acts 3 was simply asking for what he expected to receive. He was poor and lame, and he wasn’t going to expect anything above or beyond what was normally given.

But, didn’t this man know who Peter and John were? Didn’t he know that these men had been disciples of Jesus? Didn’t he know that “many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles”? (Acts‬ ‭2:43‬) According to the passage, he was at the gate Beautiful daily. Surely he knew the reports of these men who were working miracles and “day by day continuing with one mind in the temple.” (Acts‬ ‭2:46‬)‭

So what did he ask for when he was suddenly in the presence of these men? “Please! Heal my legs! Let me walk again!” No, he did not ask for a miracle from these men of God. He asked for alms. At first it seems like a very humble petition. Take a second glance at it, and it seems completely faithless. He was face to face with those who could heal him if he would just ask. He knew his greatest physical need, but he had given up on his greatest need ever being met. But Peter, in response to this meager and faithless request, told the beggar, “Look at us!” (Acts 3:4)

It’s almost as if Peter was saying, “Look! Look up! Take your eyes off of your crippled legs and your hopeless situation. Look up!”

Then Peter did meet his need. He healed the man, miraculously. And then Peter took it a step further, and brought that man into the temple with them, meeting the beggar’s spiritual need.

What About Me?

As a believer, you come to God Himself as His beloved child, not a beggar. He loves you. As you come to your Father in heaven, bring every petition, confident that you will be heard. Your circumstances, needs, and requests are not only known by Him but also given by His sovereign hand.

So, bring the requests for "alms", because He does not despise the smallest of petitions. But do not be so faithless as to leave out the seemingly impossible needs. Bring those before Him as well. When you come to pray, look up! Look! Take in the character of the One to whom you are praying! Our God created all from nothing. He came as a man, born of a virgin. He redeemed condemned sinners. He redeemed you. He does the impossible, and so do not doubt that He can do it again.

Keep praying for the unsaved family member or co-worker. Keep asking for that spirit of humility or patience that would take a miracle to cultivate. Keep seeking His guidance as you are faced with overwhelming and discouraging situations. Look up and ask. He has all to give.

“If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” John‬ ‭15:7‬

What are the impossibilities in your life? What seems so hopeless that you have stopped praying about it? Take courage in the sovereignty and lovingkindness of your Father.

* All scripture verses are from the NASB 1995

 

Hannah McClurg, originally from Kansas City, MO, now lives in South Carolina. She can be found either working at a taco shop or teaching violin! Jesus Christ is her Lord and her life. Philippians 1:21