“So, he gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them.” ~ Acts 3:5
REFERENCE:
Acts 3:1-7
One theme that runs through scripture is that God reveals Himself to those who diligently seek Him. Bishop Oyedepo once said, “Absolute pursuit of God leads to absolute discovery of God.”
A casual, distracted, and double-minded seeker cannot receive a miracle from God; you must be intentional. Give attention to God, His word, and His Spirit, and expect a miracle in your life.
Peter and John fixed their eyes on the lame man, but he also returned the gaze. He gave them attention, which is an expression of his expectation to receive something. To give attention to someone is to look at, listen to, and think about them with great interest. This component makes many prayers unanswered, prayers done without great interest or longing heart.
After years of begging, the lame man understood the concept of asking and receiving. He knew there was a posture to maintain, the right voice tone, and a look to display, all to communicate his desperate need. The writer of Acts interprets these as his expecting to receive something. He must have stretched out his hand to receive their gift. Is your heart stretched out to God?
Do you give God enough attention? Is your heart loyal to Him? How expectant are you that He will soon answer your prayers? What posture shows that you expect to receive something? Are you sensitive enough to receive instruction or guidance from the Holy Spirit? Peter had more than money for the guy, but it would take his expectation to receive what Peter had for him.
Many have not come to the place where they expect something from God – the place of simple faith. Even if the man expected less than Jesus wanted to give, he was expectant nonetheless. He paid attention to the ones who he expected money from. God gave him more than he asked for because he gave attention. God can do more than you are asking for; the question is, will you give attention to him and expect a miracle that will blow your mind?
PHOTO QUOTE
ADDITIONAL TEXTS:
Proverbs 23:18, Psalm 123:1-2, and Hebrews 11:6
PRAYER:
+ Lord, my faith looks to You this morning. I declare that no expectation of mine shall be cut off.
+ Let Your mercy do for me more than I am asking You for. Exceed my expectations.
+ Lord, help me avoid distractions and double-mindedness but always give my attention to You.