Resilience — Strength - Monday
TODAY’S VERSE
Acts 3:6
But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” (ESV)
After recently having the opportunity to share my friend Ronnie’s story, I’ll never look at the phrase, “Rise up and walk!” the same way again. Especially when you take the context of what was happening behind the scenes at our Georgetown Campus into consideration.
“Hey, Matt… have you actually seen him climb stairs yet?”
“Nope. But we’ll figure it out.”
“Has his physical therapy team worked with him on steps?”
“I’m not sure. They know stairs are one of his rehab goals. Let’s just pray and hope for the best.”
Even though I’m a millennial by definition, my wife will be the first person to tell you I use the phrase “We’ll figure it out…” more often than a Gen-Xer. Combine that with an overly optimistic bent, and it’s a dangerous combination at times. But as the questions kept coming in, my faith slowly started to drift towards doubt. What if this goes sideways?
(Please note how much I’m thinking about myself. Imagine how Ronnie must have felt!)
As my thoughts began to spiral, this sobering reality finally dawned on me: Ronnie is walking by faith… so should we. In that moment, I quietly withdrew from everyone to pray: “God, our friend Ronnie is taking a step of faith by trusting in You today. Help us to do the same. I know You honor our obedience. And I’ve seen You show up in moments like this before. Would You do it again? In Jesus’ name… Amen.”
Just a few minutes later, Ronnie showed up. We showed up. But most important, God showed up. And He did what only He can do.
When I had lunch with Ronnie and his sister Angie last week, they called that moment “holy ground.” And if you were in the room that Sunday, it’s hard to deny something was just different. The name of Jesus carries a different authority. A different power. A different strength.
With Ronnie’s baptism, it wasn't my planning. It wasn’t my friend John Wright’s ingenuity. It wasn’t my friend Sam’s strength. It was all Jesus and only Jesus. God takes our ordinary acts of obedience and does the extraordinary. He gets the glory.
That’s what we got to experience that Sunday in Georgetown. And that’s what Peter and John got to experience that day at the temple gate (Acts 3:1-10). Resilient strength is ready for the unexpected. And it’s in the inconveniences and interruptions, and in our doubts and worries, that God shows up. In the name of Jesus.
APPLICATION
Ask God to intentionally put you in a situation out of your comfort zone this week. And when He does, remind yourself to be more dependent on His strength, not yours.
PRAYER
God, when I’m feeling weak, discouraged, or afraid, remind me to be strong and courageous. Thank You for Your grace, Your patience, and Your presence wherever I go. In Jesus’ name… Amen.