In Acts 3:1-6 we read about Peter and John going up to the temple at the hour
of prayer, the ninth hour. A man lame from birth was being carried, whom they
laid daily at the gate of the temple to ask for alms from those entering the
temple. Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive
alms from them.
Verses 4 – 6 say – “And Peter directed his gaze at him, as did John, and said,
“Look at us.” And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive
something from them. But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do
have I give to you…. “In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and
walk!”
Here was a man – Peter, who had denied knowing Jesus just a few weeks prior,
even cursing while doing so, but now performing a great miracle in the name of
Jesus. What happened to Peter? Hear what he said to the beggar: “What I do
have I give to you”.
What exactly did Peter have? He had the Holy Spirit. He was filled with
the Holy Spirit, the most powerful Person in all creation. Eph 3:20-21 helps us
understand better what Peter had. ESV – Now unto Him that is able to do
exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power
that works in us, unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus unto all
generations for ever and ever. Amen. The AMP version says – “Now to Him
who is able to [carry out His purpose and] do super abundantly more than all
that we dare ask or think [infinitely beyond our greatest prayers, hopes, or
dreams], according to His power that is at work (where?) within us.” We see
that Peter had the power of God working in him.
God´s exceeding power: This verse emphasizes God´s unlimited ability to do far
more than humans can conceive or desire. God’s power is unfathomably more
than enough. It is this power that is at work within us, and it is my prayer that
we may be so filled with the Holy Spirit that when we pray, that this power of
God is released and able to work far beyond what we can pray or ask for.
What hinders God to work so powerfully? Sin! If we excuse sin in our lives and
do not repent of it all, we cannot expect the Holy Spirit to work in such power in
and through our lives and prayers. We need to keep a clean sheet with God. Let
us be constantly in the business of watching and praying, then sin will not get a
grip to quench the Holy Spirit. Let us walk softly and carefully before the Holy
Spirit so that we do not quench Him. Sin can start with a small thought or
irritation, and if we do not deal quickly with it, we will find the relationship with
the Holy Spirit is wounded. Let us watch and pray, remembering it is His
power that is at work within us. It is His power that can do exceedingly
abundantly above all that we ask for or pray or think about.
Holy Father God, we come to You as imperfect vessels – please help us to be
available for You to work powerfully within us. In Jesus precious Name, Amen
Andra Botha