I held my mom’s hand and my 10-year-old mind took in the scenery. We zig zagged through the crowded narrow, cobblestone streets of my hometown of La Paz, Bolivia. The stench of the exhaust coming from the dilapidated busses mixed with the odor wafting from the sewage affected no one, including the street vendors. They sat at the edge of the sidewalks selling random items such as bananas, Bazooka gum, matches, bags of nuts and other items.
The activity was entertaining, but what evoked pity in me was the blind and crippled dressed in dingy, tattered clothing. Their belongings stuffed in a worn cloth bag snuggled beside them. They held a dented cup as they sat most of the day beside the church entrance. From time to time, folks would drop a few coins.
That’s why the scene related in Acts 3 brings back memories of my hometown. John and Peter stood before the crippled beggar outside the temple called Beautiful. “Then Peter said, ‘Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.’ 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” (Acts 3:1-9
From time to time, we’re all at the same gate, crippled by fear, bound by insecurities, limited by all that’s out of our control. And like the beggar, we’re hoping for answers that the world—doctors, government, our jobs, our pastor, friends or counselors—cannot give.
How do I know? Because I was that beggar. When I lost my eyesight completely at 30, I sat holding my cup of hope as I looked to professionals for a cure, treatment, or meds, to stop the progression of the retinal disease.
But time and time again, my cup ended up empty. Until that day when I lifted the eyes of my heart toward Jesus. Though physically blind, the eyes of my heart saw Him reaching down to me.
The beggar did the same. He also hoped that coins tossed his way would meet his needs. But when John and Peter mentioned Jesus, all changed. The mention of His healing power opened the way for the miracle.
But those miracles are uniquely tailored. It may take place in moments, over months or after many years. The healing may first be spiritual, then emotional and then physical. The way, the pattern or the order speaks of God’s perfect timing and perfect ways.
Although God’s timing for my healing was different that those of the beggar, I followed the same scenario: when I stretched out my hand of faith, Jesus took it. My focus changed: the world had no answers or cures. But Jesus began the healing of my heart, erasing my fear and sense of helplessness.
The beggar’s ankles became strong. I also became strong in believing God had not forgotten me. He had His healing hand upon me.
The beggar began to take steps. So did I. I took steps to draw close to Him, to follow His lead, and to see what door He would open next. His Word became the lamp unto my feet and the light for my path (Psalm 119:105).
The beggar began to jump and praise the Lord. Do you have the strength to silence opposition and believe in Jesus for the process to heal? As I write this, I cannot see my physical surroundings still, but my shouts of praise to the Lord have no limits or boundaries because He healed my spiritual vision.
I praise Him because He took my physical blindness to the cross. All I have to do is wait for its manifestation. I’m certain it will happen and while I wait, I use my 20/20 spiritual vision to live the rich and abundant life He promised.
How about you? Instead of stepping into that rich life, you might be seated at the gate that’s not beautiful. It’s ugly, dark, and threatening. But when your hand is lifted up toward Jesus, all the asking, pleading, and begging ends. Instead, rejoicing begins because no matter the timing, the manner, or stage of healing, you know Jesus already took all your infirmities, your disappointments, suffering and heartaches to the cross.
And while you wait for His healing to be manifested, your strength comes back, your steps are on solid ground, and the praises from your lips will invite new confidence, new expectations, and boundless hope. That’s where the abundance of life begins.
Father, to the world I may seem poor, crippled or blind, but in You, I know I’m healed, free and praising You as I dance in the halls of joy.
What is your life begging for these days?
Bonus article on today’s topic.
Janet
Celebrate with me! My new release, Now I See: How God’s Amazing Grace Transforms the Deepest Pain to Shining Joy won the 2023 Memoir of the Year Golden Scroll Award.
Your copy waits for you HERE.
You and I are only a click away. You can use this CONTACT FORM to leave your prayer request, make a comment, ask a question, or invite me to speak to your group. Or simply reply to this email.
I also invite you to visit my WEBSITE. You’ll find more inspirational blogs along with my story, books, and videos. You’ll also learn the passion and mission of JC Empowerment ministries.
The sure way to find direction in life.
Janet Perez Eckles
8/30/2024
What to do while we wait for the answer.
Janet Perez Eckles
8/16/2024
Five reasons why you must never be discouraged.
Janet Perez Eckles
8/2/2024
How the 4th of July reminds us that we can have freedom from worry.
Janet Perez Eckles
7/19/2024
Is this what you're missing?
Janet Perez Eckles
6/21/2024
When my problems are too deep.
Janet Perez Eckles
6/7/2024
What does God say about immigration?
Janet Perez Eckles
6/2/2024
When will God heal me?
Janet Perez Eckles
5/24/2024
Your secret to become the best mom.
Janet Perez Eckles
5/10/2024
A free event to empower you.
Janet Perez Eckles
4/24/2024
How to prepare for the end times.
Janet Perez Eckles
4/12/2024
How do I know I'll go to heaven?
Janet Perez Eckles
3/22/2024
Six choices that make you a victor.
Janet Perez Eckles
3/8/2024
A surprise is tucked inside.
Janet Perez Eckles
2/27/2024
How long before the heartache stops?
Janet Perez Eckles
2/23/2024
Does God see my loneliness?
Janet Perez Eckles
2/9/2024
When bad situations turn to victory.
Janet Perez Eckles
1/27/2024
5 ways you can have a victorious new year.
Janet Perez Eckles
1/5/2024
Good news in the midst of fear and loneliness.
Janet Perez Eckles
12/22/2023
What to do when facing a war.
Janet Perez Eckles
12/8/2023
The secret to a real celebration of Christ.
Janet Perez Eckles
12/6/2023
A Message of Appreciation
Janet Perez Eckles
11/24/2023
What is the purpose for my life?
Janet Perez Eckles
11/10/2023
Happy birthday to...me!
Janet Perez Eckles
10/27/2023
Three lies that can rob your security.
Janet Perez Eckles
10/13/2023
This is how you overcome stress, sadness, and worry.
Janet Perez Eckles
9/29/2023
Avoid pitfalls and pain with these three steps.
Janet Perez Eckles
9/15/2023
What kind of prayers does God really answer?
Janet Perez Eckles
9/1/2023
How to calm your emotional turmoil.
Janet Perez Eckles
8/18/2023
Five promises to live free from fear.
Janet Perez Eckles
8/4/2023
This is the way to a rich life.
Janet Perez Eckles
7/21/2023
Saying goodbye.
Janet Perez Eckles
7/4/2023
It's a hot summer, but timely inspiration is so cool!
Janet Perez Eckles
7/3/2023
Is that blind woman dancing?
Janet Perez Eckles
7/2/2023
Free...For You!
Janet Perez Eckles
7/1/2023
No eyesight, no limbs, but enjoying the fullness of life.
Janet Perez Eckles
6/30/2023
The best way to celebrate our Father...our Heavenly Father.
Janet Perez Eckles
6/16/2023
Your joy is closer than you think.
Janet Perez Eckles
6/9/2023
Five reasons why loneliness cannot enter your heart.
Janet Perez Eckles
5/26/2023
Five weapons for mothers to overcome stress.
Janet Perez Eckles
5/12/2023
Three steps to contentment during chaos.
Janet Perez Eckles
5/5/2023
This is what you need to remove to have a happier and peaceful life.
Janet Perez Eckles
4/21/2023
Because the tomb is empty, your loneliness, fear, and anxiety can end.
Janet Perez Eckles
4/7/2023
Your pet might be speaking the love that no human can.
Janet Perez Eckles
3/31/2023
3 ways to know if God will find you strong and committed or find you lukewarm instead.
Janet Perez Eckles
3/17/2023
Three questions to determine how prepared you are to face life's troubles.
Janet Perez Eckles
3/3/2023
Three ways to prepare for the end times.
Janet Perez Eckles
2/17/2023
Overcoming Loneliness on Valentine's Day
Janet Perez Eckles
2/14/2023
Something just for you.
Janet Perez Eckles
2/10/2023
Four decisions to turn anxiety to peace.
Janet Perez Eckles
2/3/2023
God is with us...always!
Janet Perez Eckles
1/27/2023
12 questions to determine the success of your new year.
Janet Perez Eckles
1/20/2023
Five steps to keep depression out.
Janet Perez Eckles
1/6/2023
This is where you find comfort this Christmas.
Janet Perez Eckles
12/23/2022
This is how stress turns to peace this Christmas.
Janet Perez Eckles
12/18/2022
How to end your worry.
Janet Perez Eckles
12/5/2022
Big Announcement ... Read On
Janet Perez Eckles
11/19/2022
How to get rid of loneliness.
Janet Perez Eckles
9/2/2022
How to get rid of anxiety.
Janet Perez Eckles
8/12/2022
Your battle belongs to the Lord.
Janet Perez Eckles
7/29/2022
The only connection you need to feel safe and secure.
Janet Perez Eckles
7/15/2022
10 steps to help you never, never fear
Janent Perez Eckles
4/1/2022
How to overcome this hot summer of loneliness
Janent Perez Eckles
8/21/2020
How to see God’s way out of our troubles
Janent Perez Eckles
7/10/2020
With these four promises, we can dare to expect a brand new, beautiful, tomorrow
Janent Perez Eckles
6/19/2020
When God Meets our Greatest Needs
Janent Perez Eckles
4/24/2020
Trust in the Real Source
Janent Perez Eckles
4/10/2020
6 ways to know God is watching your anxious moments
Janent Perez Eckles
3/7/2020
12 ways to transform your life
Janent Perez Eckles
1/17/2020
Avoid these three traps when facing impossibilities.
Janent Perez Eckles
12/20/2019
Consider these three steps before getting angry.
Janent Perez Eckles
11/8/2019
Three steps to have your prayers answered.
Janent Perez Eckles
11/1/2019
The secret to live a happy life.
Janent Perez Eckles
10/4/2019
Three secrets of a real winner.
Janent Perez Eckles
9/6/2019
So, what’s another disaster?
Janent Perez Eckles
8/2/2019
One thing you need to remove in order to live with confidence.
Janent Perez Eckles
6/7/2019
What to do when life becomes too much.
Janent Perez Eckles
2/22/2019
Five questions to see if you’re a people pleaser.
Janet Perez Eckles
11/23/2018
How to achieve the best of life.
Janent Perez Eckles
11/9/2018
I need encouragement.
Janent Perez Eckles
11/9/2018
6 Steps to Bring Back Peace
Janent Perez Eckles
6/8/2018