Passage of the Day:
As Peter traveled about the country, he went to visit the Lord’s people who lived in Lydda. 33 There he found a man named Aeneas, who was paralyzed and had been bedridden for eight years. 34 “Aeneas,” Peter said to him, “Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and roll up your mat.” Immediately Aeneas got up. 35 All those who lived in Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord. 36 In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas); she was always doing good and helping the poor. 37 About that time she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room. 38 Lydda was near Joppa; so when the disciples heard that Peter was in Lydda, they sent two men to him and urged him, “Please come at once!” 39 Peter went with them, and when he arrived he was taken upstairs to the room. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them. 40 Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, “Tabitha, get up.” She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up. 41 He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. Then he called for the believers, especially the widows, and presented her to them alive. 42 This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord, Acts 9:32-42.
Reflection:
As one of the first disciples called by Jesus, Peter spent 3 years absorbing Jesus’ knowledge, love for people, and passion to heal and help the needy. Subsequently, shortly after Jesus’ ascension into heaven in Acts 1:9-10, the Holy Spirit fell upon the disciples in Acts 2:1-4. After accepting Saul, who became Paul as one of the first century apostles, Peter felt called to step in, carrying on Jesus’ ministry as a faith healer. After raising Tabitha from the dead, Peter’s miraculous act led many citizens of Joppa to enter into a personal relationship with Jesus, Romans 10:9-11.
Prayerful Action:
And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. 16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective, James 5:15-16.
Developing the Spiritual Guts to Press On:
Healing is one of those aspects in the Bible that seems too good to be true. Anyone inflicted by a birth related condition, a prolong injury or a serious medical concern is placed into a difficult situation. If you aren’t miraculously healed, is this due to a lack of faith? Like the words of King Solomon in Ecclesiastes 3:1-11, healing occurs in God’s timing. I waited 21 years to be freed from stuttering, so I know from experience that healing occurs in God’s timing, not yours. Leaning on fortitude is the best way to press on while you’re still waiting on God to answer your prayers.
Song of the Day:
Final Thoughts:
Rather than dwell on “if wish Jesus was here,” Peter started to step up in Jesus’ absence. May today’s song inspire you to become an overcomer by serving Jesus today.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 