SCRIPTURE:
“Now a man who was lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, ʻLook at us!ʻ So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them. Then Peter said, ʻSilver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.ʻ 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.ʻ”
Acts 3:2-8
OBSERVATION:
Here the lame man who was placed each day at the gate of the temple courts to beg for money or handouts, seemingly had a goal of immediate short-term gain, begging for money or food. Yet, Peter and John offered and enabled him to receive long-term profitability, or by definition, an abundance and prosperity. Of course the lame man was ecstatic to receive a miraculous healing. However, the lesson here is how his focus was on temporal gain, rather than long term results of healing and eternal life.
APPLICATION:
I find that I too am often caught up in the immediate and temporal matters and gains of life; rather than dedicating more time to the long term abundance and prosperity of God’s will on my life. What’s interesting is that the momentary daily worries and tasks of life seem to come on me by default; subsequently consuming my time, mind and emotion. The concern is that if I am not investing into what are the long-lasting and eternal things of God, I will find myself caught up with and realizing the short term and temporal things. It’s like in business. If we only plan and work for today with no goals, vision, planning and investment in the future; one doesnʻt have much of a future. Failure to plan is a plan to fail. Many businesses fail due to lack of vision, planning, strategy and provisions for the future. Joseph, the son of Jacob was known for his vision and planning for the future. It is so easy to get blind-side and derailed when we don’t plan and invest in the future. God is reaffirming to me that I do need to accomplish that which is before me. However, I must be mindful and plan for and invest in the future; first in my relationship with Jesus and second the welfare of my family and I. I know then that I will be blessed with realizing not only the short-term assignments and needs; but will be investing in the long term profitability of abundance and prosperity in my relationship and life with the Lord.
PRAYER:
Lord, guide me that I may have a balance in my endeavors and time spent in gainful matters. May you enable me to accomplish what is before me; but have vision and plans for the future. May I appropriate the time and act intentionally to grow in my relationship with you and the life matters that you place before me.
