Think // Speak // Act

A certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered the temple. (Acts 3:2)

Peter and John were on their way to pray at the temple as they did daily. It must not have been the first time they saw this lame man asking for money, but it was the first time they saw him since they had been filled with the Holy Spirit.

Peter’s thought upon seeing this man in the past might have been thoughts of pity, but now they were thoughts of faith. What can God do for this man? God raised Jesus from the dead. I’m sure he can raise this man to his feet.

Peter didn’t stop and just say a prayer. He took it a little further. “Then Peter said, silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.” (Acts 3:6) Peter has not just thought faith but now has spoken faith. I think if it were me, at this point I’d have said, “I’ll pray for you brother, have a nice day,” and moved on into the temple. There’s no hurt in thinking faith. Even speaking faith is not too risky. It’s what Peter did next that makes us cringe with fear. “And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up.” (Acts 3:7a) He actually reached down and yanked the crippled man who had never walked to his feet.

Pete! Are you nuts? I see lawsuit written all over this crazy scheme of yours. Just leave the guy alone. I’m sure if God wants to heal him he’ll reach down from heaven and do it himself.

Peter was not satisfied with just thinking or speaking, he would be content with only one thing and that was giving this man healing through the name of Jesus Christ. The great Apostle acted in faith and the results were as he thought and said they would be. “And immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.” (Acts3:7b)

Peter had faith thoughts. The end result was the physical healing of one man, and the spiritual healing of about five thousand who believed on Jesus for eternal life after seeing the power that one can have when he is willing to think, speak and act in faith.

Let’s do as the apostles did: think in faith, proclaim faith and follow up with faith actions as we see opportunities to make known the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth.