As though by our own power...

Acts 3: 12 When Peter saw it, he addressed the people, "You Israelites, why do you wonder at this, or why do you stare at us, as though by our own power or piety we had made him walk?"

Peter was speaking to a crowd who were witnessing the aftermath of a miracle and denying that he or John had performed this healing of their own power. He went on to point out that the man had been healed by faith in the name of Jesus.

Pride is an ever present shadow that follows ole Hugh. When I read this scripture I wondered how it must have been for Peter and John when the life-long cripple stood, walked and jumped after Peter said, "In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, stand up and walk." If it had been me and one of my buddies, I'm sure we would have been like, "Dang! Look at us!" It really is amazing to me how quickly my focus can shift off of the message that I carry and the power behind it and rest on me and my success or failure. I suppose that is a struggle that we all have to deal with. I am also amazed at what happens in my life and the lives around me when, to the best of my ability, I do act and speak on His behalf without regard for how it will affect me. Perhaps most of what God wants of me is to keep Hugh out of the way and allow Him to work through my being. Abandoning myself to Christ is to realize that my comfort, success, self image and satisfaction are far less important than His perfect will. To lay those things down before Him is a decision that I will have to make several times today, tomorrow and each of the rest of my days.

Holy, Sovereign God, thank you for offering to me the place of a child and an heir. Develop in me a heart that will joyfully respond to Your call and trust in Your direction and leading. Show me when I am saving for myself that which is rightfully Yours. I pray this prayer in the holy name of Your son, Jesus Christ. Amen.