Healing to Praise

Pete Kersker - Feb 17, 2026

The group of Spirit-filled disciples (students) of Jesus were in awe of their Lord. They met together daily, dedicating themselves to becoming full-mature followers of the Christ (Messiah, Anointed One). They learned what Jesus taught, loved one another, and did what Jesus taught them to do.

One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer--at three in the afternoon. Now a man who was lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts (Acts 3:1-2 NIV).

Peter and John were on their way to the temple to meet with other disciples (students) once again, when they were interrupted by a man who had needed to beg for his bread all of his life. He could not walk. He had been that way from birth.

When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, "Look at us!" So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them. Then Peter said, "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk" (Acts 3:3-5 NIV).

The man did what he had always done, asking for money for food, This is, after all, the only way he had been able to get what he needed to eat. He wasn't expecting anyone to be able to heal him, but that's what he received from the Lord.

Then Peter said, "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk." Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man's feet and ankles became strong (Acts 3:6-7 NIV).

How often do we ask the Lord for something over and over again, day after day, not even considering that God has something better in mind? This man received healing from a limitation he had from birth. When he received the healing, he was amazed and gave praise to the Lord.

Then Peter said, "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk." Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man's feet and ankles became strong (Acts 3:6-7 NIV).

Do you present your requests to God, as we should, in prayer (Philippians 4:6-7)?
When God gives you something better in reply, are you in awe? Do you praise God?