Phil Rowlands

Hello, my friends!

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you felt completely powerless? Maybe you've faced a challenge that seemed insurmountable or encountered an obstacle that left you feeling utterly helpless. Well, I've got some incredibly good news for you today—the same power that raised Jesus from the dead is available to us right now!

Let's take a journey back in time to the early days of the church! Picture this: Peter and John, two ordinary fishermen turned disciples, are on their way to the temple for prayer. It's just another day, or so they think. But God had something extraordinary in store!

As they approach the temple gate, they encounter a man who had been lame from birth. Can you imagine the despair this man must have felt, day after day, dependent on others to carry him to his begging spot? But on this particular day, everything was about to change.

Now, Peter could have simply tossed the man a few coins and gone on his way. After all, that's what the man was expecting. But instead, Peter did something utterly unexpected. He said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” (Acts 3:6)

Friends, can you imagine the shock and joy as this man, crippled for over 40 years, suddenly leapt to his feet and began walking, jumping, and praising God? It was a miracle that left everyone astounded! The Bible tells us that “all the people saw him walking and praising God. Then they knew that it was he who sat begging alms at the Beautiful Gate of the temple; and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.” (Acts 3:9-10)

This miraculous healing drew a crowd, and Peter seized the opportunity to preach about Jesus. He explained that it wasn't by their own power that this miracle had occurred, but through faith in the name of Jesus—the same Jesus who had been crucified but whom God raised from the dead. Peter boldly declared, “And His name, through faith in His name, has made this man strong, whom you see and know. Yes, the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.” (Acts 3:16)

Now, you might be thinking, “That's great for Peter, but what does it have to do with me?” Well, let me tell you—the same power that worked through Peter is available to each and every one of us who put our faith in Jesus!

You see, when we place our trust in Christ, we're not just getting a ticket to heaven. We're being invited into a whole new way of living—a life empowered by the Holy Spirit. As Paul wrote, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20)

But here's the catch—this power isn't just for our own benefit. God wants to work through us to bring His love, healing, and hope to a hurting world. Just like Peter and John, we're called to be conduits of God's grace to those around us.

Of course, when we step out in faith like this, we might face opposition. The religious leaders weren't too thrilled about Peter and John preaching about Jesus and performing miracles in His name. They hauled them in for questioning and threatened them, demanding they stop speaking about Jesus.

But you know what? Peter and John refused to be intimidated. Filled with the Holy Spirit, Peter boldly declared, “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12) They were compelled by the transforming power of Christ to keep sharing the good news, no matter the cost.

Friends, we serve a God who specialises in taking our weaknesses and turning them into opportunities for His strength to shine through. As Paul discovered, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9) This means that even when we feel inadequate or ill-equipped, God can use us in powerful ways if we're willing to step out in faith.

So let me ask you—where in your life do you need to experience God's power today? Maybe you're facing a health crisis that seems hopeless. Perhaps you're struggling with an addiction that's held you captive for years. Or maybe you simply feel inadequate to the task God's called you to.

Whatever your situation, I want to encourage you to turn to Jesus. Invite Him to work in and through you. Remember, “He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.” (1 Thessalonians 5:24) God is not looking for perfect people, but for willing vessels through which He can display His power and love.

And here's the beautiful thing—as we step out in faith, trusting in God's power rather than our own abilities, we get to witness Him do amazing things. Just like that lame man at the temple gate, people around us can experience healing, freedom, and new life through the power of Jesus working through us.

But it all starts with recognising our own need for God's grace. As Peter preached to the crowd, “Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.” (Acts 3:19) When we humble ourselves before God, acknowledging our sin and need for Him, He not only forgives us but fills us with His Spirit and power.

This power is not just for a select few “super Christians.” It's available to all who put their trust in Jesus. The apostle Paul reminds us, “For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:26) This means that each one of us has direct access to the throne of grace, where we can “obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16)

So today, why not take a moment to pray? Ask God to refresh and encourage you. Invite Him to work powerfully in and through you. And then, like Peter and John, step out in faith. You never know how God might use you to bring His healing and hope to someone in need.

Remember, the same power that raised Jesus from the dead is at work in you. As Paul wrote, “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20-21)

Be blessed today, my brothers and sisters. May you experience the transforming power of Christ in your life today and always, and may you be a channel of His grace and love to those around you!

Phil