Do Not Short-Change Yourself

Spirit-filled Christians have a lot to give. God wants you filled with the Holy Spirit so that you can share His love with others, providing proof that there is a God in Heaven Who is alive and well. I am reminded of Peter and John when they came to the door of the temple to pray, and they came across a disabled man who was asking people for money. Here is what happened next --

Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God.

When all the people saw him walking and praising God, they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him. (Acts 3:6-10, NIV)

God gives more than a just getting by temporary solution.

If Peter weren’t entirely convinced of the value in the power he possessed through the Spirit, he could have fumbled that entire encounter. The beggar looked at Peter, expecting some coins to help him get by without a job. Peter wasn’t going to let the man short-change himself. The truth we carry with us is the same -- God gives more than a just getting by temporary solution.

Not only was the man healed, but he strutted his miracle around so that a revival came upon the entire city. Five thousand souls were saved.

Peter and John had just been filled with the Holy Spirit during Pentecost. Faith and the anointing of the Holy Spirit were flowing through their lives. The Bible says people would lay out on the streets waiting for Peter to walk by because the sick would be healed when Peter’s shadow would pass over them! Can you imagine? That power was not just for the early church.

If you are baptized in the Holy Spirit, do not short-change yourself or those you encounter. Be confident that you can give so much more than a band-aid to a broken world. You have miracle-making power inside of you.

Use it.