Even Better

“Silver and gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” Acts 3:6

Unable to walk and unable to work, the man sat by the gate and begged, hoping that those headed to pray at the temple would take pity and pass along some change. Ashamed of his status and ashamed of himself (for in those days sickness was equated with sin), the man rarely met the glance of those whom he asked a gift.

“Look at us!” a voice kindly commanded, and, “expecting to get something from them”(Acts 3:5), the lame man lifted his eyes to two men standing before him. But his spirit sagged as Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have”(Acts 3:6). How cruel to pause and provide nothing—to raise the man’s head, then dash his hopes. But such was not the intent, for though Peter was empty-handed, he wasn’t empty hearted. “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk. Taking him by the right hand, Peter helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. He jumped to his feet and began to walk”(Acts 3:6-8).

For the first time in forever, the man could stand on his own two feet and could walk wherever he wanted to go, so he did—straight to God. “Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking, and leaping, and praising God”(Acts 3:8). His infirmity had kept him out, but God’s healing allowed him in, and instead of strolling into the temple court acting casual and cool, he leaped and was loud, jumping for joy and praising God.

If today, like Peter and John, you cross paths with someone in need, help how you can. The Bible makes it very clear that if our cupboard isn’t bare, we’re not to pass out blessings without also sharing bread(James 3:15). But if the need is more than what you have, stop anyway and share Who you have. You can’t solve all the problems, heal all the hurts, and right all the wrongs, but the treasures of God’s grace, love, and power shared through your listening ear, compassionate heart, gentle touch, and sincere prayers can be even better.

If the story is switched, and you’re the one who has been crippled by the circumstances of life, don’t be ashamed to hold out your cup and lift up your eyes. You might not get what you want, but God will provide what you need. And when He does, don’t continually casually on your way, but instead jump for joy and give Him praise.

When we beg for something good, God gives what is even better.
No change doesn’t mean no change.