Refreshment is being in God’s Presence

Faith in His name…Acts 3:16

This is how Peter defined the miracle of a lame man at the temple, Acts 3:16: 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.

This is an example of great faith spoken of by Jesus regarding the centurion, Matthew 8:10. Great faith seems to be what allows a person to seek God on a personal level. The centurion knew about the authority of a commander. He saw this authority in Jesus and acted upon it. Peter saw a man in physical need. Knowing Jesus on a practical level, he acted upon the man’s need. 

We notice the similarities: faith is in Jesus; His name, who He is. Through faith in His name, Peter was able to make this man strong. Jesus made the centurion’s servant well. We notice the centurion’s faith was in God, and what he saw in Jesus. The servant’s faith did not make him well. The faith of the lame man did not make him walk. It was Peter’s faith in the name of Jesus, who He is!

Maybe we too often try to put God in a box; a very small box. A box about the size of our faith.

Then what is little faith?  Jesus called those who worry too much of little faith. If God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Matthew 6:30

We notice the differences: when faith is not in Jesus, but in physical effort, then faith is little. When we forget who Jesus is trusting upon our efforts only, we exhibit little faith. Not wealth, Acts 3:6. There is no mention of the lame man’s faith. Peter’s faith was sufficient grace for the miracle

From beginning to end, the way of our life is by faith. Combine faith with grace and we are unstoppable. Taking advantage of the opportunity, Peter preached: 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

Now you see you: a person of great faith in Jesus whose sins are gone living in refreshing times!