It has been about a week now, or may a little more since i last blogged. Nevertheless, many things have been running through my mind. One thing that I must write about is a new discovery about 'faith'. In one of my times alone with God (QT), I read through the healing of the beggar (Acts. 3: 1 - 10). What struck me as totally new, was the way healing came about to this man. If you were to read verse 6 onwards, many would recall the famous words of Peter, "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk." Later Peter explains the mystery behind this healing. It is Jesus' name and the faith that comes through him that has given this complete healing to him, as you can all see." (verse 16b). So, it was faith in Jesus' name, faith that comes from Him - that is the key and answer to this entire miracle.
Now here comes the difficult part; after Peter said those words to the beggar (verse 6) he did something which few would do...or at least this would be my struggle. 'Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man's feet and ankles become strong. PAUSE....let me repeat that slowly. Peter saw that man, took hold of his hand even when there were no physical external changes and pull him up.
Wow....man, that is a new revelation to me. In other words, Peter's faith was made complete when it was accompanied by the appropriate action. Let me probe a little deeper here. Peter's faith was not just a matter of saying the right words, or having certain convictions or believe. It was about believing and acting on inner convictions.
This is nothing new. Is this why the writer of James hit the bull-eye when he wrote, 'faith without action is dead'? (James 2:17) Is this why sometimes nothing seem to be happening when we just pray?
