To be fully HUMAN — A Daily Reflection

 

So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them.
Then Peter said, "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth , walk."

 

It was three o’clock in the afternoon one day a few weeks after Jesus was resurrected.  Peter and John were going to the Temple to pray.  They, along with a lot of other people, were about to enter the Temple through the gate called Beautiful, the most popular gate.  A man who had been crippled all his life was there begging, having wisely chosen this gate because he would see more people and probably get more money… sort of like the people we see today who choose street intersections with a lot of traffic to stand and hold their "Will work for food" and "Hungry, please help" signs.  Good location, lots of people, better odds on getting money, right?  When the man saw Peter and John, he asked them for money, just as he did everyone who passed him.  But he was in for a surprise.  Instead of the few pennies he expected from these two men, he got the use of his legs.  Instead of the daily placebo of getting by, he received a new lease on life - a strong body that would be able to work and make the money he needed for himself.  And through that he would have innumerable other benefits that could never have been afforded to him through his life as a beggar.  Instead of giving the man what he thought he wanted, Peter gave him what he really needed.

 

How many times have you prayed for something and received something else - and the something else turned out to be exactly what you really needed?  I’m reminded of a poem that talks about this very thing.  It’s called the "Soldier’s Prayer":

 

I asked God for strength so that I might achieve.

I was made weak, that I might learn humbly to obey.

I asked for health that I might do greater things.

I was given infirmity, that I might do better things.

I asked for riches that I might be happy.

I was given poverty that I might be wise.

I asked for power that I might have the praise of men.

I was given weakness that I might feel the need of God.

I asked for all things that I might enjoy life.

I was given life that I might enjoy all things.

I got nothing that I asked for… but everything I had hoped for.

Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered.

I am among all men most richly blessed."

 

When you receive surprising answers to your prayers, remember that God wants you to have what you need, which might not necessarily be what you think you want.  Praise God for His wisdom in answering your prayers with your best interest in mind.