Week 40 The Power of Faith in Jesus

By Elizabeth Yeamans Simrell (Guest Blogger)

Week 40

Scripture Readings: Acts 3-4

Key Scripture Verse: Acts 3:6 (NIV, Life Application Bible)

“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.’”

Peter and John were walking together up to the temple while a lame man was being carried to his usual spot where he would beg for money outside of the temple gate that they called “Beautiful.” The lame man called out to Peter and John begging for money. Peter responded to him, not by giving him money, but by healing him of his condition.

In healing the lame man, it is important to note that Peter said that he healed him in the name of Jesus. Peter did not take credit for himself, knowing that this healing power was not his own but that of God.

And when the man was miraculously cured of his inability to walk, the people were amazed. Peter took the opportunity to preach about Jesus and his abiding love, his forgiveness of sin, and how Jesus was the fulfillment of the prophecies. He explained where the healing came from.

Peter emphasized that it was by faith and the healing powers of prayer in the name of Jesus that healed the man. Faith and the name of Jesus—these were the critical ingredients in healing this lame man from his affliction.

Over and over again when Jesus healed someone, he said to them that it was because of their faith that they were healed.

And we are told we need have only the faith of the size of a small mustard seed to move mountains in his name. (Matthew 17:20: “Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”)

But we must pray in the name of Jesus—this is critical. If our prayers are within the will of God, within the will of the living Jesus and in alignment with his purposes, we can do anything in his name. “Nothing will be impossible!”

May we grow in faith and do his will. Amen.