Hello, to the 48 members of the Getting Fed group. Yes, it's true; praise be to God because we're up to 48 members.

This devotional is based on the story in Acts 3 - the beggar who is healed. One of my favorite Scriptural examples of healing. I pray it blesses you!

Arise and Walk

To grow as a Christian means to become closer and develop a more intimate relationship with God. This relationship begins when we are born into His family - when we ask Him to forgive our sins through faith in Jesus and begin what is intended to be an eternal communion of love. He desires for us to trust Him in ALL things and pray to Him on all occasions; "In everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God" (Philippians 4:6).

Jesus promised that our prayers will be heard and answered; "Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete" (John 16:24). But as we lift up our requests, we can sometimes become confused by God's response. We often perceive His answers to be slow in arriving, or we're disappointed with His reply; we even begin to doubt if God even hears our prayers.

But we must remember that we have entered into an eternal relationship with the Sovereign Creator of the Universe! Underlying all our prayers must be the firm belief that "in all things, God works for the good of those who love Him" (Romans 8:28). God always has a plan and always knows our need. We must trust that His answers will meet our true need much better than we could ever hope.

A short time after Jesus was crucified, Peter and John were confronted by a crippled man sitting beside the Temple gate begging for money. "Then Peter said, 'Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.'" Acts 3:6

Until that day, the crippled man had never walked a single step. In his limited view of the world, the only hope he had for a better life was to be given some money. His request was limited by what he could see and understand - limited by his faith.

Our loving Father always hears our prayers - and He always answers. His answer to prayer is either yes, no, or wait...and sometimes He answers with, "Here my child, I have something much better for you."

God's view of our need (and the entire world) is much higher and grander than our own. We generally see our need as the solution to some short term problem, but our true need is always to grow by drawing closer and loving Him more. Let's take our eyes off the crutches we think will "fix" our problem and look instead to the One who is calling, "Trust Me and come into My presence as you arise and walk!"

Have a Great Day!

Steve Troxel, God's Daily Word Ministries

"No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love has been brought to full expression through us." 1 John 4:12

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