I know that you have possibly read this story umpteen times. But, do yourself a favor and read it once again. In it, you will find the answer for seeing a supernatural manifestation of God’s power for you personally and your ministry in 2022.
NOW PETER and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour (three o’clock in the afternoon),[When] a certain man crippled from his birth was being carried along, who was laid each day at that gate of the temple [which is] called Beautiful, so that he might beg for charitable gifts from those who entered the temple. So when he saw Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked them to give him a gift. And Peter directed his gaze intently at him, and so did John, and said, Look at us! And [the man] paid attention to them, expecting that he was going to get something from them. But Peter said, Silver and gold (money) I do not have; but what I do have, that I give to you: in [the use of] the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk! Then he took hold of the man’s right hand with a firm grip and raised him up. And at once his feet and ankle bones became strong and steady. Acts 3:1-7 (Amplified Bible Classic)
The release of God’s miracle-working power is quite simple…for many, too simple…so simple that it is often overlooked or neglected. In this story, you will find these two ingredients.
EXPECTATION: I know that you are probably shaking your head in disbelief. I told you that it is simple. This expectation is two-fold.
- The first is found on the part of those receiving the ministry. Peter and John imparted an expectation causing the lame man to know that something was about to happen. “Look at us! And [the man] paid attention to them, expecting that he was going to get something from them.” I know that I’ve written about this many years ago, but I will briefly share this story again. I was sitting in a movie theater waiting for the movie to begin when I heard the voice of the Holy Spirit tell my spirit to be like the theater and start announcing coming attractions. We are to create an expectation for what is yet to be seen. If the truth is known, those sitting in our ministry are getting exactly what they are anticipating. Absolutely nothing. You and I as leaders can change this by boldly declaring what God WILL do.
- The second is the expectation found in the person that is ministering. What do you expect when you act upon God’s Word? Peter spoke and expected what he had just announced to take place. As Peter fully expected a miracle, God said a great big YES and brought about the healing.
DEMONSTRATION: Here’s some more simple (and possible head shaking). Being fully convinced of God’s miracle-working power, Peter took the man by the right hand and raised him up. Don’t just talk…DEMONSTRATE! Peter’s confidence wasn’t resting upon his own ability, but rather God’s faithfulness and power. Lay the groundwork with the teaching/preaching/declaring and then fully expect God to do His part. Remember that God won’t act until you act.
2022 is the year for miracles and you are the person that God has chosen to release His power. Expect it. Know it. Show it. Now go do it…and do it often!
