Faith in the name of Jesus.

In Acts 3, a lame man begs Peter and John for alms, but they don't have money to give. Instead, Peter gives the man the biggest surprise of his life!

What did Peter attribute the healing to? 

"And on the basis of faith in His name,

it is the name of Jesus

which has strengthened this man whom you see and know;

and the faith which comes through Him ..."

"...by the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene... by this name

this man stands here before you in good health. - Acts 3:16 and 4:10, NASB

Healing wasn't the only thing that came to the lame man. More importantly, he was given faith. And it wasn't by any good works, that any man could boast. It was a gift from God.

We all ask God for "alms" of some sort in our lives - some kind of change - and our Good Father gives us more than we can imagine or hope for.

God swoops in and surprises us with faith on the most ordinary of days. While it's not usually a dramatic "event," we are all witnesses to Him giving us more faith over time, which is quite a huge deal if you ask me.

Life where death and sin used to hold us captive.
A tiny spark of joy during a time of deep sadness.
The calm steadfast peace where anxiety used to rear its debilitating head.
A strong certain hope where fear used to reign.

Jesus is the Author of our faith. He initiated; we only responded.  

Jesus is the Finisher of our faith. He will continue to perfect our faith! Nothing we can do, beyond obedience.

Jesus said He came to give us abundant life. He prunes, He provides the fruit. We keep choosing to abide. His POWERFUL and ABLE Word is true, and He is faithful to finish what He started.  

 

Abba God, You are so good to me!

When I take the time to thoughtfully ponder Jesus....

to consider this gift of faith in Jesus' name...

Faith which comes through Jesus. 

Oh Abba, who am I, that You would do this for me? While I'm grateful for the faith You have given me, I am grieved the times I struggle to believe your powerful Word. I do believe, help me in my unbelief! By the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene - by His name and not because of anything we deserve - strengthen all of us in the Body of Christ. Give us courage to trust You and to believe that You will give us all we need to live by faith instead of by sight. In Jesus' name...